Using ectomycorrhizal inocula to increase slash pine (Pinus elliottii) growth in Southern China

Bio-fertilizers are of great importance in forestry because they can positively affect plant growth and the environment. In this study, the seedlings of slash pine (Pinus elliottii) were planted in pots. One month later they were inoculated with 7 groups of ectomycorrhizal fungi including Lactarius sp., Scleroderma polyrhizum Pers., Lactarius hatsudake Tanaka,Lycoperdon sp., Lycoperdon sp./ Lactarius sp., Lycoperdon sp. / Lactarius hatsudakeTanaka and Scleroderma polyrhizum Pers./ Lactarius sp.. Plant growth variables were determined after three months. The results showed that: (1) all inocula signicantly increased the ground diameter and plant height and strengthened the overall absorption of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; (2) the best inocula mixture was Lycoperdon sp. /Lactarius hatsudake Tanaka, likely due to synergistic interactions between the two partners and (3) mixed ectomycorrhizal fungi were not necessarily better than single fungus.   Key words: Slash pine (Pinus elliottii) growth, ectomycorrhizal inocula, bio-fertilizers, interaction, mixed ectomycorrhizal fungi.