Potential role of fungi and bacteria in Chinese fir replant soil

Abstract

The role of soil fungi and Bacillus in the Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) replant problem was investigated. Several pathogenic fungi isolated were more abundant in replant than in non-replant woodland soil, but the species composition of soil bacteria showed no significant differences. Fumigation of replant soils with methyl bromide significantly increased the growth of Chinese fir compared with nonfumigated soils. Inoculation of steam-sterilized soil with the pathogenic fungi caused significant reduction of growth of Chinese fir seedlings, while amendment with bacteria from the soil had no effect on seedling growth. However, the combination of pathogenic fungi and bacteria greatly reduced plant growth and increased root rot compared with pathogenic fungi or bacteria alone. It is suggested that fungi alone or in combination with bacteria may be important biotic factors in the Chinese fir replant problem. Key words: fungi, bacteria, Chinese fir, replanted soil, seedling growth.