Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Enhanced Growth of Magnolia macclurei (Dandy) Figlar Seedlings Grown under Glasshouse Conditions

A glasshouse experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) (Glomus manihotis, Glomus versiforme, and Glomus caledonium) on growth of Magnolia macclurei seedlings from two seed sources in southern China. Two-month-old seedlings were inoculated and grown in pots for 5 months. All three AMF were effective in root mycorrhization (68-82%). Phosphorus uptake in inoculated seedlings increased by 10-35%, accompanied by significantly enhanced seedling growth (16-27% increase in height and diameter and 35-45% increase in dry matter production), whereas only small increases in nitrogen and potassium uptake were observed. Seed sources varied significantly in several growth traits, implying possible genetic variation and the potential for selection of superior genotypes in this species. The results are discussed in the context of nursery management and production of inoculated seedlings for pure and mixed-species plantations of M. macclurei.