Responses of sugar maple and hemlock seedlings to elevated carbon dioxide under altered above- and belowground nitrogen sources

Various human-induced changes to the atmosphere have caused carbon dioxide (CO?), nitrogen dioxide (NO?) and nitrate deposition (NO??) to increase in many regions of the world. The goal of this study was to examine the simultaneous influence of these three factors on tree seedlings. We used open-top chambers to fumigate sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) with ambient or elevated CO? and NO? (elevated concentrations were 760 ppm and 40 ppb, respectively). In addition, we applied an artificial wet deposition of 30 kg ha?1 year?1 NO?? to half of the open-top chambers. After two growing seasons, hemlocks showed a stimulation of growth under elevated CO?, but the addition of elevated NO? or NO?? eliminated this effect. In contrast, sugar maple seedlings showed no growth enhancement under elevated CO? alone and decreased growth in the presence of NO? or NO??, and the combined treatments of elevated CO? with increased NO? or NO?? were similar to control plants. Elevated CO? induced changes in the leaf characteristics of both species, including decreased specific leaf area, decreased %N and increased C:N. The effects of elevated CO?, NO? and NO?? on growth were not additive and treatments that singly had no effect often modified the effects of other treatments. The growth of both maple and hemlock seedlings under the full combination of treatments (CO??+?NO??+?NO??) was similar to that of seedlings grown under control conditions, suggesting that models predicting increased seedling growth under future atmospheric conditions may be overestimating the growth and carbon storage potential of young trees.     

Growth and mineral nutrition of Gmelina arborea Roxb. seedlings fertilized with four sources of nitrogen on a latosolic soil

The growth and mineral nutrition of Gmelina arborea Roxb. seedlings were investigated in response to four nitrogen-based fertilizers applied at 0, 2.5, 5.0 or 7.5 g N per plant. Nitrogen sources included NH(4)-N as ammonium sulfate, NO(3)-N as potassium nitrate, NH(4)NO(3)-N as calcium ammonium nitrate, and urea-N as urea. Seedlings fertilized with NH(4)NO(3)-N or urea-N had greater height, collar diameter, dry weight, net assimilation rate, and relative growth rate than seedlings fertilized with NH(4)-N or NO(3)-N. For all sources of nitrogen, increasing the amount of exogenously supplied N per plant promoted shoot growth more than root development, hence the root to shoot ratios of all fertilized seedlings were smaller than those of the unfertilized controls. Applications of NO(3)-N increased the nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus concentrations of fertilized seedlings. Regardless of source, a nitrogen application of 2.5 g N per plant was apparently optimal for the growth of Gmelina seedlings on a latosolic soil.     

Changes in nitrogen level and mycorrhizal structure of Scots pine seedlings inoculated with Thelephora terrestris

? We investigated the influence of Thelephora terrestris, an ectomycorrhizal fungus, on the concentration of nitrogen in needles of Pinus sylvestris L. seedlings and their mycorrhizal structure within four seasons of growth.

? Seedlings were grown in four treatments: (I) inoculated + 0.030 g N, (II) inoculated + 0.045 g N, (III non-inoculated + 0.030 g N, (IV) non-inoculated + 0.045 g N under laboratory conditions and later planted in post-agricultural land.

? For inoculated treatments, statistically significant differences in N concentration of needles were observed for two- and four-year-old seedlings. The number of ectomycorrhizae and concentration of N in needles were negatively correlated. After four seasons of growth the greatest numbers of ectomycorrhizae were present on seedlings from treatment II, and the smallest on seedlings from treatment IV.

? Two-year-old seedlings had been colonized by at least six different fungal taxa, i.e. Cenococcum geophilum, Hebeloma crustuliniforme, Rhizopogon sp., Suillus bovinus, Thelephora terrestris and a non-identified one. Treatments I and II were dominated by the ectomycorrhizae of T. terrestris and their number was significantly greater than in treatments III or TV. On four-year-old seedlings ectomycorrhizae of T. terrestris were dominated in all treatments, while ectomycorrhizae of Hebeloma sp. were not found.

     

Temporal allocation of (14)C to extramatrical hyphae of ectomycorrhizal ponderosa pine seedlings

Ponderosa pine seedlings were inoculated with Hebeloma crustuliniforme either in growth pouches before they were transplanted to root-mycocosms (P seedlings), or at the time of transfer to root-mycocosms (V seedlings). Uninoculated seedlings served as controls (U seedlings). The use of root-mycocosms allowed examination of portions of hyphae separate from roots and rooting substrate but still in symbiosis with the host. The results thus provided a quantitative basis for estimating hyphal mass and carbon allocation to extramatrical hyphae. The amount of (14)CO(2) fixed after a 2-h exposure was greatest for P seedlings and least for uninoculated seedlings. Four and nine days after exposure, (14)C content was greatest in uninoculated seedlings and least in inoculated seedlings. In isotope distribution and dry mass accumulation, V seedlings were more similar to U than to P seedlings. Calculated on a dry weight basis, the allocation of isotope to mycelium suggested that extramatrical hyphae of P seedlings were a stronger sink for carbon than extramatrical hyphae of V seedlings. Differences in inoculation methods resulted in differences in carbon allocation and physiology of extramatrical hyphae that could affect seedling establishment and survival. Seedlings inoculated by one method cannot serve as surrogates for mycorrhizal seedlings produced by other inoculation techniques.     

Influence of ectomycorrhization and cesium/potassium ratio on uptake and localization of cesium in Norway spruce seedlings

Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) seedlings growing in a growth pouch system were used to investigate the effects of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Hebeloma crustuliniforme (Bull. ex St. Amans) Quél. and various Cs/K ratios on the uptake of (134)Cs, expressed as a percentage of the total amount of (134)Cs supplied. The amount of (134)Cs taken up by seedlings increased with increasing Cs/K ratio. At a Cs/K ratio of 0.1, uptake of (134)Cs ranged between 7.2 and 7.3% and was independent of ectomycorrhizal status, whereas at Cs/K ratios >/= 1 uptake of (134)Cs varied from 8.1 to 11.1% for ectomycorrhizal and from 10.4 to 14.4% for non-inoculated plants. Ectomycorrhizal seedlings contained a lower concentration of (134)Cs than non-inoculated seedlings. Among plant parts, the amount of (134)Cs was significantly lower in needles and lateral roots of ectomycorrhizal seedlings compared with non-inoculated seedlings. Among fungal and seedling tissues, highest X-ray net counts of (133)Cs were measured in fungal hyphae of ectomycorrhizal mantles. X-Ray net counts of (133)Cs in lateral roots of ectomycorrhizal and non-inoculated plants were similar, but 5 to 10 times higher than in main roots and needles, suggesting an accumulation of (133)Cs in lateral roots and slow translocation to other plant parts. In contrast, X-ray net counts of K indicated that K was readily mobilized from lateral roots to main roots and needles. Elemental mapping showed a relatively homogeneous distribution of (133)Cs within the root.     

赤松幼苗接种菌根真菌生长效应的初步研究

以赤松幼苗接种松茸菌进行盆栽和圃地栽培试验,研究菌根菌感染数量和菌根菌对苗木生长效应的影响。结果表明:在盆栽条件下,三种处理根系菌根真菌的感染指数分别为80、50、3,截根接种和不截根接种分别为对照的26.7倍和16.7倍,且截根处理是不截根的1.6倍;幼苗苗高、地径生长量显著提高,干重比对照分别增加33.3%和18.5%。在圃地条件下,截根接种与不截根接种的幼苗苗高、地径生长量比对照分别提高5.4%、4.2%和14.9%、6.9%。     

不同形态氮素配比对马大杂种相思无性系幼苗生长的影响

在温室内采用不同氮形态配比的营养液,水培研究9个马大杂种相思（Acacia mangium×A.au-riculiformis Cunn.ex Bench）无性系幼苗的生长状况,结果表明,NO3^-∶NH4＋值对马大相思生长及生物量的影响均达到极显著水平。当NO3^-∶NH4^＋为25∶75时,马大相思幼苗的苗高、生物量干质量及生物量鲜重积累均达到最大。而NO3^-∶NH4^＋为75∶25时,根长净生长量最大,但抑制了苗高的生长;在供氮总量不变的条件下,NO3^-∶NH4^＋为25∶75时最有利于马大杂种相思幼苗的生长。     

Cytokinins in the root pressure exudate of Citrus jambhiri Lush. colonized by vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae

The influence of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) symbiosis on the transport of cytokinins from the root to the shoot of Citrus jambhiri Lush. seedlings inoculated with cultures of Glomus etunicatum (Becker and Gerd.), G. fusciculatum (Thaxt.) Gerd. and Trappe, or G. mosseae (Nichol. and Gerd.) was investigated. Cytokinins collected from root exudates over a 90-day period were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry and a bioassay. The flux of cytokinins was independent of root exudate flux. Seedlings inoculated with G. fasciculatum or G. mosseae yielded a greater flux of zeatin, dihydrozeatin and zeatin riboside than non-inoculated seedlings. The flux of zeatin riboside was significantly greater than the flux of zeatin in seedlings inoculated with VAM symbionts. Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal relationships apparently contributed to, or influenced, the export of cytokinins from the root. The elevated cytokinin flux of inoculated seedlings was associated with improved tissue phosphorus nutrition and a significant increase in seedling biomass.     

Nitrate content, amino acid composition and growth of yellow birch seedlings in response to light and nitrogen source

Yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britt.) seedlings were grown for three months in a greenhouse at two radiant flux densities-full light (FL) and 50% shade (LL)-and with three nitrogen sources- ammonium only (NH(4) (+)), nitrate only (NO(3) (-)) and a 1:1 mixture of ammonium and nitrate (NH(4) (+)/NO(3) (-))-in a completely randomized factorial design. The total biomass of seedlings grown under low light (LL) did not vary significantly with nitrogen source; although NO(3) (-)-treated seedlings were smaller and had a significantly lower (P 相似文献   

Source of mycorrhizal inoculum influences growth of Faidherbia albida seedlings

Poor land use management and practice inhibit the growth and establishment of tree seedlings in dryland areas.We assessed arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi(AM)status of Faidherbia albida(Del.)A.Chev.trees grown on different land uses.We quantified the growth and nutrient uptake of F.albida seedlings inoculated with AM from different sources.These efforts were based on soil and fine root samples from the rhizosphere soils of F.albida trees.AM root colonization was determined using the gridline intersect method.Spores were extracted by the wet sieving and decanting method and identified to genus level.The seedling experiment had a completely randomized onefactorial design with four treatments and five replications.Faidherbida albida seedlings were grown in a greenhouse.All in situ F.albida trees were colonized by AM fungi.AM root colonization of F.albida trees was significantly higher(P<0.0086)in area exclosures than on lands used for grazing or cultivation.Spore abundance was significantly higher(P<0.0014)in area exclosures followed by cultivated land and grazing land.Glomus was the dominant genus in all land-uses.AM-inoculated F.albida seedlings grew better(P<0.05)than non-inoculated controls.Seedlings inoculated with AM from area exclosure had significantly(P<0.05)higher growth and nutrient uptake than those inoculated with AM from grazing and cultivated land.This emphasizes the importance of the native soil AM potential for better establishment of seedlings to achieve optimum plant growth improvement and assist in rehabilitation of degraded arid lands.     

Response of juvenile Norway​ spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) to ectomycorrhizal inoculation of perlite-peat substrates in a nursery

Nursery growth substrate and ectomycorrhizal symbiosis are important circumstances influencing seedling development. In this study, the effect of pre-sowing inoculation of pure peat and peat+perlite mixtures (2:1 and 1:1, v:v) with an ectomycorrhizal mycelium-bead inoculum prepared in the laboratory and commercial inoculum Ectovit on ectomycorrhiza formation, growth, and foliar nutrients concentration of 1-year-old bare-root Norway spruce seedlings was estimated. Seedlings grown in the substrates inoculated with bead inoculum had significantly larger shoot dry weight and slightly higher other growth parameters than those grown in non-inoculated and Ectovit-inoculated substrates. However, the use of inocula formed neither treatment-specific ectomycorrhizal morphotypes nor higher mycorrhization of roots compared to control. Ectomycorrhizae were most probably formed by naturally occurring fungi; nevertheless, based on the abundance of the morphotypes, any participation of the applied fungi in ectomycorrhiza formation and/or their non-nutritional effects is not excluded. Seedlings grown in peat+perlite (2:1) mixture were slightly higher-developed than those in the two other substrates, but significant effect of the substrates neither on seedling growth nor on ectomycorrhiza formation was detected. In all treatments, sufficient macroelements concentration in needles was found. The results suggest difficulties to reach a complex positive effect of ectomycorrhizal inoculation in operational conditions and its dependence on various circumstances.     

Field performance of conifer and hardwood species 5 years after nursery inoculation in the Canadian Prairie Provinces

The field performance of conifer and hardwood species inoculated with different inoculation treatments was evaluated 5 or 3 years after outplanting in the field trials established in the Canadian Prairie Provinces. In conifer trials, the growth of white spruce, black spruce, lodgepole pine, and larch seedlings observed on different sites varied greatly to different inoculation treatments depending on plant and fungal species involved. Five years after outplanting, most of the introduced fungi were replaced by several indigenous ectomycorrhizal fungal species except for Laccaria bicolor strain. Survival rates of most of the inoculated seedlings were not significantly different from control seedlings naturally colonized by other resident fungi. In hardwood trial, the effects of nursery inoculation of different poplar clones, aspen and balsam poplar were very limited. Growth and survival data were combined into seedling volume and plot volume index (PVI) for measurement of total growth response of seedlings. Our results demonstrated that certain inoculated plant-fungus combinations have played a positive role during the initial establishment of these seedlings in the field, which was reflected on significantly greater stem volume and PVI compared to non-inoculated control seedlings. The results from this study provided useful information on field evaluation for potential benefits of mycorrhizal inoculation in nursery.     

丛枝菌根真菌对牡丹根系构型的影响

本试验以分别接种AM真菌Glomus mosseae和G.versiforme的两年生盆栽‘凤丹’幼苗为材料,以不接种为对照,研究不同AM真菌对牡丹幼苗根系构型和生长的影响。结果表明:不同AM真菌的侵染率不同,G.mosseae的侵染率高于G.versiforme;接种G.mosseae的植株干重、根冠比和根系活力显著高于对照。接种不同AM真菌的牡丹幼苗的根系参数均比对照有不同程度的增加,其中对水平延伸根系所占比例和根系总体积的影响最为显著。相关性分析表明,水分饱和亏缺与植株干重、根冠比、根系活力等呈显著负相关;根系参数与牡丹生长呈显著正相关。不同AM真菌可通过影响牡丹幼苗的根系构型而影响其生长。G.mosseae是促进牡丹生长的高效菌种。     

Growth and nutrient uptake of ectomycorrhizal Pinus sylvestris seedlings in a natural substrate treated with elevated Al concentrations

Models of the effects of elevated concentrations of aluminum (Al) on growth and nutrient uptake of forest trees frequently ignore the effects of mycorrhizal fungi. In this study, we present novel data indicating that ectomycorrhizal mycelia may prevent leaching of base cations and Al. Mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal Pinus sylvestris L. seedlings were grown in sand obtained from the B-horizon of a local forest. In Experiment 1, non-mycorrhizal seedlings and seedlings inoculated with Hebeloma cf. longicaudum (Pers.: Fr.) Kumm. ss. Lange or Laccaria bicolor (Maire) Orton were provided with nutrient solution containing 2.5 mM Al. Aluminum did not affect growth of non-mycorrhizal seedlings or seedlings inoculated with L. bicolor. Seedlings colonized by H. cf. longicaudum had the highest biomass production of all seedlings grown without added Al, but the fungus did not tolerate Al. Shoots of seedlings colonized by L. bicolor had the lowest nitrogen (N) concentrations but the highest phosphorus (P) concentrations of all seedlings. The treatments had small but significant effects on shoot and root Al concentrations. In Experiment 2, inoculation with L. bicolor was factorially combined with the addition of a complete nutrient solution, or a solution lacking the base cations K, Ca and Mg, and solutions containing 0 or 0.74 mM Al. Seedling growth decreased in response to 0.74 mM Al, but the effect was significant only for non-mycorrhizal seedlings. Mycorrhizal seedlings generally had higher P concentrations than non-mycorrhizal seedlings. Aluminum reduced P uptake in non-mycorrhizal plants but had no effect on P uptake in mycorrhizal plants. Mycorrhizal colonization increased the pH of the soil solution by about 0.5 units and addition of Al decreased the pH by the same amount. We conclude that the presence of ectomycorrhizal mycelia decreased leaching of base cations and Al from the soil.     

Hydraulic conductance and soil water potential at the soil-root interface of Pinus pinaster seedlings inoculated with different dikaryons of Pisolithus sp

Seedlings of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) were inoculated with different dikaryons of Pisolithus sp. from South Africa to determine the influence of extension of the extramatrical phase and diameter of the mycelial strands on water relations parameters including xylem water potential (Psi(x)), soil water potential at the soil-root interface (Psi(s)) and hydraulic conductance (L(p)) during and after a period of water stress. Seedlings inoculated with dikaryons having an extensive extramatrical phase and large diameter mycelial strands showed higher Psi(s) (-2 MPa) during severe water stress than seedlings inoculated with dikaryons producing fine hyphae and sparse extramatrical phases (-3.8 MPa). Seedlings inoculated with strand-forming dikaryons recovered faster from water stress than did non-inoculated seedlings or seedlings inoculated with non-strand-forming dikaryons. Architectural aspects of the extramatrical phase, including the presence of large diameter mycelial strands or fine hyphae, influenced the soil-root contact and the water relations of an inoculated host plant. When water stress was not limiting, the architecture of the extramatrical phase did not have a large effect on Psi(s). It is suggested that the architecture of the extramatrical phase influences the resistance to water flow through the soil-root interface and that large mycelial strands increase the water flow by bridging the gap between the soil and the root. These changes in physiology indicate that dikaryons can improve the survival of Pinus pinaster under dry conditions.     

Early growth and ecophysiological responses of Koa (Acacia koa A. Gray) seedlings to reduced water and phosphorus

Sites in need of restoration typically have one or more environmental factors that limit seedling establishment. Identifying ecophysiological responses to environmental stressors can provide important insights into mitigating measures that would allow seedlings to overcome such constraints to survival. Koa (Acacia koa A. Gray) is a nitrogen-fixing tree species endemic to Hawai?i that is highly valued in restoring degraded forest ecosystems, which are often limited in available water and phosphorus. This study examined how koa seedlings respond to conditions of reduced water (65 W) and no phosphorus (0P). After 17 weeks, seedlings subjected to 65 W or 0P accumulated less biomass, smaller root-collar diameters, and lower nitrogen and phosphorus contents. Combined reductions in water and P resulted in seedlings with increased root to shoot dry biomass and shorter shoots. Seedlings subjected to 65 W also had lower instantaneous rates of CO₂ assimilation, but higher instantaneous water-use efficiencies following irrigation, suggesting that koa responds to water deficits by decreasing water loss via reduced stomatal conductance. Seedlings subjected to 0P had similar rates of CO₂ assimilation relative to those grown with adequate P, suggesting that koa is able to employ strategies to avoid physiological impairment from conditions of inadequate P. Future research should assess whether subjecting koa seedlings to reduced water before planting on water-limited sites cues increased drought resistance and whether uptake and storage of P by seedlings in the nursery better supports growth following outplanting, particularly on sites with anticipated low plant-available water.

     

丛枝菌根对喜树幼苗的生长效应

2005年2月精选喜树种子培养无菌根幼苗,生长90天以后分别接种3种丛枝菌根真菌,即蜜色无梗囊霉(Acaulospora mellea)、透光球囊霉(Glomus diaphanum)和弯丝硬囊霉(Sclerocystis sinuosa),探讨了菌根真菌对喜树幼苗株高、生物量以及氮、磷吸收的影响。结果表明,丛枝菌根的形成显著促进了菌根幼苗的高生长和生物量的积累,对喜树幼苗氮素营养的吸收影响不大,但却有利于喜树幼苗对磷素营养的吸收。从植株高度和生物量来看,菌根幼苗优于无菌根幼苗,蜜色无梗囊霉菌根幼苗尤为突出,分别达到无菌根幼苗(CK)的1.2和1.6倍,差异显著。丛枝菌根的形成对喜树幼苗氮素营养的吸收影响不大。从全株的氮含量来看,菌根幼苗与无菌根幼苗相近,只有在根、茎和叶片中Am菌根幼苗的氮含量才有明显变化,而透光球囊霉和弯丝硬囊霉菌根幼苗与无菌根幼苗之间则没有显著差异。丛枝菌根的形成总体上促进了喜树幼苗对磷素营养的吸收,并且主要体现在根的磷含量上。与无菌根幼苗比,所有菌根幼苗根的氮、磷分配比例增加,而茎和叶片的氮、磷分配比例减少。图2表2参13。     

Family variation in nutritional and growth traits in Douglas-fir seedlings

Nitrogen (N) uptake and utilization in seedlings of six full-sib families of coastal Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) known to differ in growth rate were assessed at the whole plant and root levels. Seedlings were grown in soil or aeroponically with high and low nutrient availability. Consistent family differences in growth rate and N utilization index were observed in both soil and aeroponic culture, and high-ranking families by these measures also had greater net N uptake in soil culture. Two of the three families found to be fast-growing in long-term field trials exhibited faster growth, higher N utilization indices and greater net N uptake at the seedling stage. Mean family net influx of ammonium (NH4+) and efflux of nitrate (NO3-) in the high- and low-nutrient treatments were significantly correlated with measures of mean family biomass. The high-nutrient availability treatment increased mean net fluxes of NH4+ and NO3- in roots. These results indicate that efficiency of nutrient uptake and utilization contribute to higher growth rates of trees. Nutrient-related traits should be considered in tree breeding programs, as the indications are that assessments may be made at an early stage.     

Growth response and nutrient utilization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Casuarina equisetifolia</Emphasis> seedlings inoculated with bioinoculants under tropical nursery conditions

We investigated the role of tetrapartite associations between an arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus (Glomus geosporum), phosphate solubilizing bacteria (Paenibacillus polymyxa), Frankia and Casuarina equisetifolia on growth, nutrient acquisition, nutrient utilization and seedling quality of C. equisetifolia. Seedlings of C. equisetifolia were grown in an Alfisol soil and inoculated with G. geosporum, P. polymyxa and Frankia either individually or in combinations. Inoculation of bioinoculants stimulated seedling growth, the efficiency of nutrient uptake and improved seedling quality. However, microbial inoculation generally reduced the efficiency of nutrient utilization in dry matter production (nutrient use efficiency). Inoculation of P. polymyxa or Frankia increased the extent of AM colonization, which resulted in the accumulation of the nutrients. Seedlings inoculated with Frankia and G. geosporum had more, and heavier nodules compared to seedlings inoculated with Frankia alone. Dual inoculation of microbes was more effective than individual inoculations. The growth response of seedlings to inoculation involving all the microbes was greater than the response to either individual or dual inoculations. The results of this study showed that the tetrapartite association could improve the growth, nutrient acquisition and seedling quality of C. equisetifolia under tropical nursery conditions.     

Ectomycorrhizal fungi affect the physiological responses of Picea glauca and Pinus banksiana seedlings exposed to an NaCl gradient

We tested the effects of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) inoculation on greenhouse-grown white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana L.) seedlings to be used for revegetation of salt-affected tailing sands resulting from the exploitation of oil sand in northeastern Alberta, Canada. White spruce and jack pine seedlings were inoculated with three ECM fungi selected for their in vitro tolerance to excess Na+ and Cl-: Hebeloma crustuliniforme (Bull) Quel. UAMH 5247, Laccaria bicolor Maire (Orton) UAMH 8232 and a Suillus tomentosus (Kauff.) Sing., Snell and Dick isolate from a salt-affected site. The physiological responses of the seedlings to a gradient of NaCl concentration (0, 50, 100 and 200 mM) were assessed over four weeks by: (1) Na+ accumulation and allocation; (2) chlorophyll a fluorescence; (3) growth, (4) water content; and (5) organic osmolyte accumulation. Jack pine seedlings were more sensitive than white spruce seedlings to increasing Na+ and Cl- concentrations. Both species showed decreasing biomass accumulation, and increasing concentrations of organic osmotica and Na with increasing NaCl concentration. White spruce seedlings inoculated with the S. tomentosus isolate had the best growth response at all NaCl concentrations tested. Although jack pine seedlings inoculated with the L. bicolor or S. tomentosus isolate exhibited the highest growth in the 50 and 100 mM NaCl treatments, both fungi increased the photochemical stress and dehydration of their hosts in the 200 mM NaCl treatment. At the latter concentration, jack pine seedlings inoculated with H. crustuliniforme showed the greatest tolerance to salt stress. Although the different fungi altered the physiological response of the host in different ways, inoculation with salt-stress-tolerant ECM fungi increased growth and reduced the negative effects of excess NaCl. Use of controlled mycorrhization may increase survival of coniferous seedlings used for revegetation of salt-affected sites.