%0 Journal Article
%T Effects of Media Formulation on the Growth and Morphology of Ectomycorrhizae and Their Association with Host Plant
%A Ferzana Islam
%A Shoji Ohga
%J ISRN Agronomy
%D 2013
%R 10.1155/2013/317903
%X Tricholoma matsutake and Rhizopogon roseolus form ectomycorrhizal (ECM) association with their host plant on natural habitats. The main objective of this study was to test mycelial growth, morphology, and host plant survival both in vitro and in vivo when treated with enriched media. Aseptically germinated seedlings of Pinus densiflora and P. thunbergii were inoculated with the strains of T. matsutake and R. roseolus, respectively. Under in vitro conditions mycelial growth rates performed best on pH 5 and were better on Modified-Melin-Norkrans-(MMN) based medium and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA); addition of micronutrients and vitamins in MMN mycelial growth rates had 6¨C27% differences. Without ECM, plant survival rates on standard media were 30% to below 30% and by inclusion of elements they were 50% to 80%. On in vivo, soil containing different media with ECM allowed successful mycorrhizal association and increased seedling survival rates approximately 100%. Our findings confirm that MMN and PDA allowed higher mycelial growth but poor plant survival (<30%); however, enriched media supported 100% plant survival with successful ECM associations. The present method is advantageous in terms of giving objectivity for ECM by employing suitable media for strains and host plant, and making it possible for mass production of ECM-infected seedlings. 1. Introduction The development and survival of many forest trees and the success of a reforestation programme depend on the symbiosis involving host tree and ectomycorrhizae¡ªtheir growth and establishment. Mycorrhizal symbiosis develops capabilities of the host root system by extending the plant¡¯s ability to tolerate biological and environmental stresses such as phytopathogenic attacks, nutritional insufficiencies, pollution of heavy metal, extensive erosion, drought, and different pH [1]. These positive effects of the ectomycorrhizal symbiosis on the establishment and growth of forest plants have made the ectomycorrhizal inoculation a valuable technical tool for plant production in forestry [2]. Pinus densiflora and P. thunbergii have received extra attention due to their potential usage in pine forest reforestation programs. However, the pine forest in Japan has been under threat over the recent decades and now is facing a serious crisis to survive. The recent decline in pine forest has been aggravated by many interactive disfavourable growing conditions both for the host and the mycorrhizal fungi [2, 3]. This is ultimately reducing the production of edible mushrooms growing in pine forests which have significant
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn.agronomy/2013/317903/