Effect of ectomycorrhizal inoculation at planting on growth and foliage quality of Tilia tomentosa

Abstract

By analogy with the techniques of controlled mycorrhization of forest plantations, an attempt was made to inoculate silver limes (Tilia tomentosa) with ectomycorrhizal fungi at planting on a street in Paris, France. In spite of poor colonization of the roots by the introduced symbionts (Laccaria laccata, Paxillus involutus and Cenococcum geophilum), tree growth was stimulated and yellowing of leaves in autumn was delayed. These results are discussed in terms of biology of the symbioses and practical benefit of this technique applied to ornamental trees in urban plantations.