Effect of ectomycorrhizae on the growth and uptake and transport of 15N-labeled compounds by Pinus tabulaeformis seedlings under water-stressed conditions

Abstract

 Seedlings of Chinese pine (Pinus tabulaeformis Carr.) were grown in a growth chamber using a sterilized soil/sand/vermiculite mixture, and were inoculated with the ectomycorrhizal fungus Cenococcum graniforme (Sow.) Ferd. and Winge. The function of external mycelium of ectomycorrhiza for uptake and transport of N from ¹⁵N-labeled NH₄ ⁺ and NO₃ ^– for plant nutrition was evaluated under well-watered conditions and water stress. The pots comprised two-compartments, whereby the penetration of roots was prevented by a nylon mesh bag which the mycorrhizal hyphae were allowed to pass in order to colonize the rest of the pot. ¹⁵N-labeled NH₄ ⁺ or NO₃ ^– was applied to the area of the pot to which the root had no access. At harvest, the ¹⁵NH₄ ⁺ concentration in plant tissues was significantly promoted by the formation of mycorrhizae both under well-watered conditions and water stress. The ¹⁵NO₃ ^– concentration was reduced by water stress and increased by mycorrhizal formation. The enhancement of ¹⁵NO₃ ^– uptake caused by mycorrhizal formation was more evident under water stress than under well-watered conditions. The external mycelia of the ectomycorrhizae took up and transported NH₄ ⁺ and NO₃ ^– from the soil to the plant, thereby improving plant nutrition and growth, in addition to helping the plants to avoid the effects of water stress.