Mycelial inoculation of containerized Norway spruce seedlings with ectomycorrhizal fungi

Abstract An inoculation technique to create ectomycorrhizal symbiosis in 1.5-year-old Norway spruce ( Picea abies (L.) Karst.) container seedlings was tested. The mycelia of fungi (EMF) – Tylospora asterophora , Piloderma olivaceum and Cenococcum geophilum each grown a silica dioxide powder carrier, mixed with conventional low-humified Sphagnum peat at the time sowing. Seedlings were four growth media: (1) peat; (2) sterile carrier; (3) carrier containing T. C. (4) P. . seedling development EMF colonization followed during nursery production. Further, media planted on former field, their observed for three years. At end production phase, there no differences height or stem diameter between growing media. degree by introduced low. inoculated + 16% higher first season after out-planting compared medium, but effect transient. experiment, had highest proportion healthy lowest dead seedlings. results emphasize importance quality success. tested ineffective creating substantial levels colonization.