Efficacy of Economic Mushrooms on the Growth Promotion of Dipterocarpus alatus Seedlings

Abstract

Dipterocarpus alatus is an economically important tree species currently in demand within the wood product industry. However, D. alatus has a slow growth rate and will take 20-30 years before timber can be cut to harvest. Implementing the use of ectomycorrhizal fungi in its seedling production has potential to improve D. alatus growth. Therefore, effects of two species of ectomycorrhizal fungi, Amanita vaginata and Astraeus odoratus, and one species of saprotraphic fungus, Phlebopus portentosus, on growth of D. alatus were evaluated by inoculating 6-month old seedlings with each fungus and monitored growth monthly for 6 months. The results showed that applications of ectomycorrhizal fungi significantly (95% confidence) increased root collar diameter and total height of D. alatus. After 6 months, D. alatus seedlings treated with A. vaginata had the highest root collar diameter of 73.6±3.3 mm followed by those treated with P. portentosus, A. odoratus and without fungal treatment at 70.5±2.5, 68.2±3.1 and 66.6±2.0 mm, respectively. In terms of total height, D. alatus seedlings treated with P. portentosus had the highest total height at 41.89±0.75 cm followed by A. odoratus, A. vaginata and without fungal treatment at 40.95±1.66, 40.37±1.10, 36.54±0.37 cm, respectively. Laboratory analysis for root colonization by ectomycorrhizal fungi indicated that the 3 fungi colonized D. alatus seedlings at the tips of new roots. Inoculation with A. vaginata and P. portentosus resulted in 10 and 30 % colonization in the epidermis indicated compatibility between the fungi and D. alatus.