Ectomycorrhizal Colonization and Seedling Growth of Shorea (Dipterocarpaceae) Species in Simulated Shade Environments of a Sri Lankan Rain Forest
Background
This study examines how the degree of ectomycorrhizal (EM) colonization of potted Shorea spp. is associated with the amount and quality of daily photosynthetic photon flux density (PFD).
Research Goals & Methods
Five species (Shorea affinis,S. congestiflora, S. cordifolia,S. gardneri, and S. zeylanica) were grown in pots for two years under well-watered conditions in five different shade treatments: deep shade, light shade, short duration direct light, long duration direct light, and full sun.
Conclusions & Takeaways
Results show that the percentage EM colonization was significantly different among shade treatments for all five species ( p < 0.05). However, EM root colonization was not significantly different among species. The highest percentages of EM colonization for all species, except for S. congestiflora, were in treatments providing full open conditions. However, seedling growth of all species were best under partial shade conditions.
Reference:
. Ectomycorrhizal colonization and seedling growth of Shorea (Dipterocarpaceae) species in simulated shade environments of a Sri Lankan rain forest. Forest Ecology and Management. 2005;208:399–405. doi:10.1016/j.foreco.2004.12.010.
Affiliation:
- Department of Botany, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- School of Earth and Geographical Sciences (Soil Science), University of Western Australia, WA, Australia
- Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy, Sri Lanka
- School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA