Technique for the observation of early morphological changes during ectomycorrhiza formation

Flat, transparent polyester growth pouches were used for synthesis of ectomycorrhizae on Pinus strobus seedlings. Typical ectomycorrhizae with mantle and Hartig net were obtained within 5 days after inoculation with Pisolithus tinctorius. An extensive extramatrical network of hyphae and hyphal strands could be observed within 15 days after ectomycorrhizae formation. The process was somewhat slower with Cenococcum graniforme. Other proven ectomycorrhizal fungi on P. strobus were unsuccessful in forming ectomycorrhizae under conditions used in these experiments.