Solar irradiance and the development of endomycorrhizal green ash seedlings

We investigated the effects and interaction of four irradiances, 37, 53, 70 and 100% full sunlight, and the endomycorrhizae Glomus macrocarpum and Glomus fasciculatum on the development of seedlings of Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh. At all irradiances, mycorrhizal seedlings were taller and larger in diameter than nonmycorrhizal seedlings. Seedlings inoculated with G. macrocarpum showed the best height growth at 70% or less of full sunlight, whereas seedlings inoculated with G. fasciculatum grew best at 37 and 53% full sunlight. Leaf area was greatest in shaded seedlings and was enhanced by mycorrhizal inoculation. Shoot/root ratios were greater for mycorrhizal than for nonmycorrhizal seedlings. At intermediate light intensities, percent root length colonized was greatest, whereas the concentrations of soluble sugar and starch in roots were at intermediate levels.