Effects of ectomycorrhizal fungi on the acclimatization of micropropagated Quercus castaneifolia plantlets in greenhouse

Transfer of tissue culture seedlings to the greenhouse is the most important step in the micropropagation process and requires an adaptation stage. This phase of acclimatization is the beginning of autotrophic life and is associated with the establishment of physiological processes necessary for survival. During the acclimatization phase, seedlings should increase water and salt uptake as photosynthesis accelerates. Among the strategies to improve the survival and growth of tissue culture plants in the greenhouse, inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi has been introduced as an efficient method. In this study, the symbiotic effects of ectomycorrhizas on improving the compatibility of Quercus castaneifolia seedlings in greenhouse were investigated. Basidiocarps of Tricholoma acerbum were collected from Mazandaran province and pure colony of the ectomycorrhizal fungus was isolated. Seedling regeneration was performed by culturing single-node fragments with special hormonal treatments then inoculated by pure cultivation of the fungus in the laboratory and in the greenhouse. Fourteen weeks after seedling transfer to greenhouse, their physiological characteristics were evaluated. According to the results of ectomycorrhiza inoculation, it was not only useful for the establishment and survival of plants in the adaptation phase, but also improved the water and physiological condition of plants. Therefore, the establishment of this ectomycorrhizal relationship can be considered as a solution to increase the tolerance of Quercus castaneifolia seedlings against the shock of transfer to the greenhouse and the success of seedling production in oak reforestation programs.