Controlled Rhizogenesis and Mycorrhization of Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) Cuttings with Black Truffle (Tuber melanosporum Vitt.)

Abstract

Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) is commonly used as mycorrhizal host forTuber melanosporum Vitt. (black truffle). Black truffle orchards havebeen established in and outside its natural distribution area, currentlyalso in Chile. Hazelnut can be propagated rapidly by cuttings, which,however, may not easily form mycorrhizal symbiosis under laboratoryconditions. We successfully inoculated hazelnut cuttings with T.melanosporum and studied the effects of culture conditions, plantmaterial and inoculum age on rhizogenesis and mycorrhization. Cuttingsfrom sucker shoots showed the highest rooting rate (88.5%). Perlite andvermiculite as substrate increased root length (9.6 cm). Treatment withauxin significantly increased root yield (up to 27 roots per cutting).Larger containers increased the mycorrhization rate (33.6%). Up to 2year storage of sporal inoculum did not affect mycorrhization. Weconclude that root induction in C. avellana cuttings and mycorrhizationwith black truffle using up to 2-yr-old inoculum, do not presentproblems when performed under optimized conditions, allowing fastproduction of plants for commercial and reforestation purposes.