Involvement of ethylene in ectomycorrhiza formation and dichotomous branching of roots of mugo pine seedlings

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Abstract
The role of ethylene in mycorrhiza formation and root development on axenically grown seedlings of Pinus mugo Turra var. mugo was examined. Mycorrhizal formation by Laccaria laccata and Pisolithus tinctorius in a defined liquid medium was associated with increased ethylene production. Ethephon (100 μM) stimulated dichotomous branching of roots inoculated with P. tinctorius, but had no effect on those inoculated with L. laccata, or on uninoculated roots. Ethephon had no effect on the percentage of susceptible roots that became mycorrhizal with either fungus. The inhibitor of ethylene action, silver thiosulfate, had no significant effect on mycorrhiza formation by P. tinctorius, but it did show a trend toward decreased mycorrhiza formation by L. laccata when applied at concentrations of 10 μM or higher. Silver thiosulfate at 100 or 500 μM slightly increased dichotomous root branching of seedlings inoculated with either fungus, but these concentrations also caused blackening of root meristems and inhibition of root growth. These results are consistent with the interpretation that endogenous ethylene may influence mycorrhiza formation and associated changes in root morphology.