Formation of ectomycorrhizae on Pinustaeda seedlings exposed to simulated acidic rain

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Abstract
Effects of simulated acidic rain on formation of ectomycorrhizae were studied with Pinustaeda seedlings grown in plastic trays in a greenhouse. Trays of ectomycorrhizal seedlings were exposed 37 times over 16 weeks to simulated rains adjusted to pH 5.6, 4.0, 3.2, or 2.4. After exposures, mean percentages of short roots that were mycorrhizal (%M) were greatest (62.2%) for seedlings exposed to rains of pH 2.4. Values of %M exhibited a quadratic relationship with rain acidity (%M = 146.49 − 48.96 (rain pH) + 5.68 (rain pH)2). Values of R/S (root/shoot ratio) were negatively correlated (P < 0.01) with %M. Responses of ecetomycorrhiza formation and associated shoot growth to acidity of simulated rains suggest that rains of intermediate acidity (pH 4.0 and 3.2) inhibited ectomycorrhiza formation, or that increased soil acidity or other factors induced by rains at pH 2.4 enhanced ectomycorrhiza formation.