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A gnotobiotic culture system with oak microcuttings to study specific effects of mycobionts on plant morphology before, and in the early phase of, ectomycorrhiza formation by Paxillus involutus and Piloderma croceum

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 1998

S. HERRMANN
Affiliation:
Bundesforschungsanstalt für Landwirtschaft (FAL), Institut für Bodenbiologie, Bundesallee 50, D-38118 Braunschweig, Germany
J.-C. MUNCH
Affiliation:
Bundesforschungsanstalt für Landwirtschaft (FAL), Institut für Bodenbiologie, Bundesallee 50, D-38118 Braunschweig, Germany Present address: GSF Forschungszentrum für Umwelt und Gesundheit, GmbH, Institut für Bodenbiologie, Neuherberg, D-85758 Oberschleissheim, Germany.
F. BUSCOT
Affiliation:
Bundesforschungsanstalt für Landwirtschaft (FAL), Institut für Bodenbiologie, Bundesallee 50, D-38118 Braunschweig, Germany Present address: Universität Jena, Institut für Ernährung und Umwelt, Dornburgerstraße 29 D-0743 Jena, Germany.
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Abstract

Homogeneously developed oak (Quercus robur L.) microcuttings were challenged in a Petri-dish system with the mycobionts Piloderma croceum J. Erikss. & Hjortst. and Paxillus involutus (Batsch) Fr. Non-destructive observations over 10 wk followed by d. wt measurements at the end of the assays served to precisely characterize root and shoot development, dynamics of mycorrhizal colonization and morphological ratio. In the system, plant development, and especially root morphogenesis, had more similarities to those of stump cuttings or of older seedlings than to those of 3-month-old seedlings. Whereas Paxillus involutus displayed early mycorrhizal colonization and had no significant morphological effects on the host Piloderma croceum modified markedly the entire plant development before a delayed mycorrhiza formation. The latter mycobiont stimulated elongation and production of the lateral root system and also increased the leaf surface. However, no corresponding weight increases were noted, which was reflected by significant increase of both specific root length and specific leaf area. These differential effects are discussed in relation to data concerning carbon requirement and auxin production of the mycobionts. The developed system was shown to be highly suitable for comparative studies with diverse mycobionts on recognition and physiological balance between partners before, and in the early stage of, formation of mycorrhizas.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Trustees of the New Phytologist 1998

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