BioMatNet Item: AIR2-CT92-1742 - Improvement of the Growth Performance of Forest Trees (Pseudotsuga menziesii, Picea albies, Picea sitchensis, Pinus pinaster, Quercus robur) and Fruit Trees (Castaneo sativa) by Microbial Inoculation of Cuttings

AIR2-CT92-1742
Improvement of the Growth Performance of Forest Trees (Pseudotsuga menziesii, Picea albies, Picea sitchensis, Pinus pinaster, Quercus robur) and Fruit Trees (Castaneo sativa) by Microbial Inoculation of Cuttings

Contacts

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AIR Cluster IX - Forestry : Forestry : Wood (Lignocellulose)

	Contract No	AIR2-CT92-1742
	Total Cost	1 128 000
	EC Contribution	830 000
	Start Date	01/01/1994
	Duration	48 months

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of the proposal is to evaluate the effect of microbial inoculation (ectomycorrhizal fungi and Mycorrhization Help Bacteria MHB) on the root and shoot development of forest trees and European chestnut cuttings. We propose to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the improvement of rooting by microbial inoculation. The results of nursery and field experiments could be adapted and applied in practice to improve the present standard of cuttings.

We now have techniques for producing tree seedlings associated with competitive and efficient ectomycorrhizal fungi and MHB. We still have to adapt these technique to cuttings.

The groups participating in the project will work on:

study the physiology of IAA production by fungal and bacterial strains;
determine the inter and intraspectific variability of IAA synthesizing activity within fungal genera
isolate IAA overproducing fungal strains
control the rhizogenesis process and study the interactions with microorganism metabolism;
study the influence of microorganisms on the rooting phase and develop methods for the preinoculation of cuttings;
develop methods for mycorrhizal and bacterial infection of rooted cuttings in containers or in bareroot nurseries;
assess cuttings growth in field experiments;
characterise microbial strains by RFLP, PCR and isozyme analysis;
determine the survival of the introduced strains after field transplantation with molecular techniques of isozyme analysis;
study the interactions between plant and fungal genotype.

Contacts

Coordinator

Dr Francois LETACON / Institution National de la Recherche Agronomique / FRANCE

Participant