Endogone f1ammicoronaandTubersp. as mycorrhizal fungi ofPinus radiatain New Zealand

Abstract

Abstract Sporocarps of Endogone flammicorona Trappe & Gerdemann and Tuber sp. were found to be associated with roots of radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) seedlings and of trees up to 55 years of age. Tuber sp. was isolated from mycorrhizal roots of seedlings and trees up to 55 years old. The key morphological characters for distinguishing the mycorrhizas formed by these two fungi are described. In synthesis tests both fungi formed characteristic mycorrhizas on radiata pine seedlings. This is the first confirmation of the mycorrhiza forming ability of E. flammicorona and Tuber sp, on radiata pine. Pot trials were carried out to compare the effect of these two fungi and Rhizopogon rubescens Tul. on radiata pine seedling growth and nutrient uptake. The results showed that these two fungi were not as efficient as R. rubescens on growth and nutrient uptake, although they did promote early growth.