Production of ectomycorrhizal Ppicea abies — Hebeloma crustuliniforme seedlings for ecological studies: Effects of synthesis techniques on the morphology of the symbiosis

Abstract

Various in vitro synthesis techniques were applied to produce numerous ectomycorrhizal Picea abies — Hebeloma crustuliniforme seedlings which could be later used for experiments in the field of environmental research. Included synthesis methods are the Erlenmeyer flask technique, the cuvette technique, and the growth pouch technique. A mantle and a Hartig net were present in all synthesized and naturally grown symbioses. Stable features were the white color of the mantle, its two-layered structure, and the structure of the Hartig net. A few characters such as the thickness of the mantle and the development of the Hartig net formation were variable due to the synthesis method. The techniques suitable for producing ectomycorrhizal seedlings are the Erlenmeyer flask technique using vermiculite and peat moss and the growth pouch technique: the first technique because of sterility and good ectomycorrhizal formation within approximately two months, the second technique because of direct observation of ectomycorrhizal formation within one to two months and complete removing of ectomycorrhizae including extramatrical mycelia.