Comparative efficiency of the mycorrhizal fungi Laccaria laccata, Hebeloma crustuliniforme and Rhizopogon species on growth of radiata pine seedlings

Abstract The efficiency of Laccaria laccata (Scop. ex Fr.) Berk. & Br. and Hebeloma crustuliniforme (Bull. ex St. Am.) Quel, was compared with that of Rhizopogon spp. in promoting radiata pine seedling growth and nutrient uptake. The results showed that Rhizopogon spp. were more efficient growth-promoting mycorrhizal fungi than L. laccata and H. crustuliniforme although seedlings inoculated with L. laccata showed a better early height response between 4 to 7 months, Hebeloma crustuliniforme was a thorough root colonizer but it did not perform well in promoting seedling growth.