Some distinctive types of spruce mycorrhizae

Abstract

For examination and recognition of mycorrhizal types, the structure of the hyphal mantle in tangential longitudinal sections has proved to be a valuable feature for investigation. Features of hyphal mantle structure have been used for establishing an identification key. The colour of the hyphal mantle is a helpful additional characteristic, but is not useful as a diagnostic feature because of variations in advanced age and under varying environmental conditions. Rhizomorphs yield good taxonomic characteristics. The Hartig net was uniform for all types examined. When differences were observed they had to be interpreted as different stages of development. Ultrastructural examination revealed further features of mycorrhizal types: namely the shape of septal pores, presence and structure of matrix material in the region of the hyphal mantle and characteristic deposits on cell walls of the hyphae. The ten types presented can be distinguished without any ultrastructural features. As far as the fungal partners involved are concerned, basidiomycetes are clearly dominant. For the first time two basidiomycetes with continuous parenthesomes of their dolipores were found to form ectomycorrhizae. Classification of these fungi with the heterobasidiomycetes is discussed.