Effect of selected forestry herbicides on ectomycorrhizal development and seedling growth of lodgepole pine and white spruce under controlled and field environment

In tests under aseptic conditions, the herbicides hexazinone (Pronone^TM5G® and Velpar L.R.®), glyphosate, and triclopyr reduced seedling growth and mycorrhizal development of Pinus contorta var. Litifolia and Picea glanca. Triclopyr was most toxic of the tour herbicide formulations. Under greenhouse condition, only 2 formulations of hexazinone (Pronone ^TM5G® and Velpar L.®) were tested. At high concentrations (2 and 4 kg/ha) it reduced growth and mycorrhizal infections significantly but showed recovery with time. No adverse effects were observed at low concentration (1 kg/ha). In general, seedlings inoculated with mycorrhizal fungus (Suillus tomentosus), were more sensitive to herbicide than the ones without mycorrhizal inoculation. Under field conditions overall effects of herbicide application were less intense. Only 4 kg/ha rates of hexazinone resulted in reductions in seedling growth and mycorrhizal infections. The nonmycorrhizal seedings planted in the field developed mycorrhizae in over 40% of short roots within 2 months after planting in all herbicide treatments.