The effect of soil temperature on mycorrhizal development and growth of seedlings of Pinus patula Schlecht. et Cham.

Abstract

The effect of soil temperature on mycorrhizal development and growth of Pinus patula seedlings was investigated. The temperature range used was 20, 25, 30 and 35°C. The temperatures were maintained by using “Wisconsin” waterbaths housed in a greenhouse. The results show that mycorrhizal development is stimulated by high temperatures but that this does not result in a concomitant increase in growth, chiefly due to the effect of high temperature on the uptake of nutrients by the seedlings.