Abstract

VALDES RAMIREZ, María; AMBRIZ PARRA, Enrique; CAMACHO VERA, Alejandro  and  FIERROS GONZALEZ, Aurelio M.. Pine seedling inoculation with different fungi and visual identification of ectomycorrhizae. Rev. mex. de cienc. forestales [online]. 2010, vol.1, n.2, pp.53-63. ISSN 2007-1132.

From the urgent need for reforestation of large areas of our country and to find out microorganisms able to stimulate the growth of pines, this study was conducted using a practical inoculation method to allow an easy recognition of ectomycorrhizal colonization by nursery workers. Pinus devoniana and P. pseudostrobus were the tree species used in this experiment. The ectmycorrhizal fungi were Pisolithus tinctorius 202 (a Spanish isolate), P. tinctorius (PHC) and Scleroderma texense (native fungus). Identification of fungi based on form and color was easy Six months after the inoculation the three fungi showed good root colonization; they formed visible external mycelium in both pine species tested. Under the assayed conditions Scleroderma texense appeared as a good root colonizer. At this early stage of growth the dry weight of both P. devoniana and P. pseudostrobus treated with S. texense was significantly different compared to control plants ( p < 0.05); with no statistical differences on volume. After 18 months of inoculation, statistical analysis indicated that the volume of Pinus devoniana inoculated with P. tinctorius 2002 was significantly higher compared to other treatments; plants treated with P. tinctoriu s 202 and with S. texense were different to P tinctorius (commercial strain) in terms of dry matter of the plant. In this stage of seedling growth, root colonization was no longer dominated by S.texense; roots were also colonized by other fungi occurring in the nursery soil.

Keywords : Ectomycorrhizae; visual identification; Pinus devoniana; Pinus pseudostrobus; Pisolithus; Scleroderma.