Abstract
Rhododendron, as most of the Ericaceae, lacking root hairs, is generally mycorrhized by typical ericoid endomycorrhizae. In vitro grown plantlets are aseptic and thus can be artificially infected by specific strains in order to evaluate the best one for the establishment of the symbiosis. The objective of this research was the evaluation of the best mycorrhizal inoculum, within 11 fungal strains: (Hymeuoscyphus ericae, 6 different strains of Oidiodeudrou maius and 4 sterile non-classified mycelia isolated on Vaccinium or Calluna), for 3 commercial rhododendron cultivars ('Nova Zembla', 'Roseum Elegans' and 'Madame Masson'). Rooting and growth of mycorrhized plantlets were compared with those of control untreated cuttings of the same varieties and with cuttings treated with IBA (indole-butyric acid). After rooting, all of the plants were observed and measured for one year. Contrary to what was observed in previous experiments on Vaccinium and Azalea, the different fungal strains did not significantly influence the rooting time or percentage, which in rhododendron was only affected by the genotype, but had significant influence on the subsequent growth of plants. The effect of different mycorrhizal inocula on the growth of the tested cultivars is presented and discussed.
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