Synergistic effects of Amanita stranella and Suillus decipiens inoculation on morphological features and phenolic compounds of Pinus pseudostrobus var. coatepecensis, a narrow endemic Mexican variety

The effect of an inoculum composed of Amanita stranella and Suillus decipiens was evaluated on morphological features and total phenolic compounds in seedlings of Pinus pseudostrobus var. coatepecensis - a narrow endemic Mexican variety. The treatments were used: (1) A. stranella; (2) S. decipiens; (3) combined inoculum and (4) control, using a completely randomized design with 12 seedlings per treatment. The morphotype descriptions of both fungi significantly facilitate their identification in the field. The results showed significant differences in plant growth among the treatment groups. Seedlings treated with the combined treatment exhibited remarkable increases in height, surpassing the A. stranella, S. decipiens treatments, and the control group by 21.81%, 28.83%, and 59%, respectively. Moreover, the root collar diameter in the combined treatment group measured 2.53 cm, contrasting with the control group, 1.05 cm. Additionally, the shoot height/root length ratio and Dickson's index were both close to 1 in the combined treatment, suggesting a well-developed root system in relation to the above-ground part of the plant. The percentage of ectomycorrhizal root colonization showed no significant differences among the inoculated treatments. Furthermore, the combined treatment significantly increased the total phenolic content in plants (39.2 mg GAE g(- 1)). Therefore, the combined inoculation of P. pseudostrobus var. coatepecensis seedlings with A. stranella and S. decipiens is recommended during the nursery stage for reforestation practices.

Automated summary

The effect of an inoculum composed of Amanita stranella and Suillus decipiens on the growth and phenolic compounds of Pinus pseudostrobus var. coatepecensis seedlings was evaluated. The combined inoculation significantly increased plant growth, including height, root collar diameter, and total phenolic content, while promoting root development.