The Microflora of Unsuberized Roots of Eucalyptus calophylla R.Br. And Eucalyptus marginata Donn ex Sm. Seedlings Grown in Soil Suppressive and Conducive to Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands. II. Mycorrhizal Roots and Associated Microflora

Abstract

Mycorrhizal root development was more frequent in Eucalyptus calophylla than in Eucalyptus marginata in field and pot samples of soil conductive to Phytophthora cinnamomi. Morphologically different types of mycorrhizas were also observed in the two species, which suggested preferential stimulation of mycorrhizal fungi, and this was supported by cross-inoculation experiments with fungal symbionts isolated from mycorrhizal roots and from basidiomycete sporophores. Isolation of bacteria from mycorrhizal roots, and low power electron microscope study of these roots, indicated a significant mycorrhizosphere effect. Populations of bacteria varied quantitatively and qualitatively for different mycorrhizal roots. In suppressive soil few mycorrhizal roots were formed in either species. It is suggested that the different types of mycorrhizal roots and their associated bacterial microflora may contribute to differential susceptibility of the two species to infection by P. cinnamomi in conducive soil.