Effect of Ectomycorrhizal Symbiosis on the Growth and Physiology of Quercus castaneifolia C. A. Mey. Plantlets

Chestnut leaved oak (Quercus castaneifolia C. A. Mey) is one of the most important industrial trees in northern forests of Iran which has been destructed due to severe exploitation. In order to improving of early growth, planting survival and forest work, the induced mycorrhizal symbiosis (artificial) via plantlet inoculation with selected fungal isolates has been introduced as an efficient method, eco-friendly and alternative to chemical fertilizers or other soil improvement treatments. In this study, ectomycorrhizal symbiosis was established in vitro on plantlets of Quercus castaneifolia to evaluate the influence of the fungus Hebeloma sinapizans (Fr.) Sacc on growing and physiological characteristics of treated plantlets. Oak plantlets were propagated by tissue culture, and then symbiosis was established with fungus Hebeloma sinapizans (Fr.) Sacc. Physiological and growth characteristics as well as water status of inoculated plants were measured. Compared with control plantlets, a significant increase in biomass, area and chlorophyll content of leaf, stem biomass as well as water content of plantlets was observed in treated plantlets. The findings of this investigation showed that ectomycorrhizal symbiosis establishing can be introduced as a promising approach to increase success of planting in forest vivification programs.