In vitro and post vitro inoculation of micropropagated Rhododendrons with ericoid mycorrhizal fungi

Isolation of more than 200 strains of endophytic fungi from the roots of several host plants belonging to order Ericales (Vaccinium, Calluna, Rhododendron, Empetrum, etc.) was followed by a successful attempt to verify ericoid mycorrhiza status of some of these fungal isolates under axenic conditions. Tn two screening experiments, the most efficient ericoid mycorrhiza fungal strains were found beneficial for the growth of micropropagated Rhododendron plants when inoculated post vitro after transplantation to peat-based substrate. No negative influence on the growth of host plants has been observed for any inoculated isolate, while about 10% of tested strains exhibited positive effects on the growth of Rhododendron microcuttings grown in peat-based media. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.