ZLV Online

Abstract

On Norway spruce (Picea abies L. [H.] Karst.) seedlings, influence of three treatments – (i) inoculation with Ectovit® preparation containing ectomycorrhizal fungi (INOCULATION), (ii) Ectovit® + Conavit® fertilizer (INOCULATION + FERTILIZATION), and (iii) untreated group (CONTROL) – were evaluated in this study. In autumn 2021 (3.5 years after inoculation), 100 seedlings/treatment (300 seedlings in total) were sampled to evaluate seedlings survival percentage and growth characteristics, and 10 live seedlings/treatment (30 seedlings in total) to evaluate dry weight and the number of seedlings with Armillaria rhizomorphs. By relating these values to the previous evaluation (autumn 2019), values for period autumn 2019 – autumn 2021 were obtained for statistical analyses. Increment of the seedling height, increment of the root collar diameter and increment of the seedling aboveground dry weight were significantly higher in INOCULATION compared to INOCULATION + FERTILIZATION, the first and second named variables were also significantly higher in INOCULATION compared to CONTROL. There were no significant differences in seedlings survival percentage nor number of seedlings with Armillaria rhizomorphs (all identified as Armillaria ostoyae [Romagn.] Herink). Contrary to the previous evaluation (1.5 years after inoculation), the protective effect of artificial ectomycorrhizal inoculation against infection of seedling by honey fungus was not confirmed.