Copper Tolerance of Non-Mycorrhizal

This study was conducted to screen ectomycorrhyzal (ECM) fungi that can increase copper (Cu) tolerance of Eucalyptus urophylla and Acacia aulacocarpa seedlings for the phytoremediation of Cu mine tailings. Two laboratory experiments were done following a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replicates. Pisolithus 23-01 yielded the highest mycelial growth and was unaffected by Cu addition up to 750 µM. Likewise, Pisolithus H6394, Scleroderma sp. and Astreus sp. were not affected by Cu but the growth was slower than Pisolithus 23-01. Under nursery conditions, E. urophylla and A. aulacocarpa seedlings inoculated with Pisolithus (23-01) and H6394, Scleroderma sp. and Astreus sp. and planted in garden soil amended with 250, 500 and 750 µM Cu and no Cu grew better than the non-mycorrhyzal ones. Root colonization (10 to 30%) by ECM fungi was not affected by Cu. Seedlings inoculated with Pisolithus (23-01 and H6394) and Scleroderma promoted the greatest height increment, stem diameter and dry weight. Pisolithus H6394 consistently gave the highest seedling growth, dry weight, P and Cu uptake in E. urophylla. The addition of 750 µM Cu reduced the growth of non-mycorrhizal seedlings and those inoculated with Astreus. In Cu mine tailing soil, A. aulacocarpa survived and grew better than E. urophylla, E. deglupta, and A. mangium. Pisolithus 23-01 promoted the best growth. Hence, A. aulacocarpa could be a potential species in reforesting Cu mine areas coupled with inoculation with Cu tolerant ECM fungi particularly with Pisolithus species.

Materials & Equipment




Further clarification of the procedures and results should be directed to the researchers and adviser.

Researchers:
Brian James S. Aggangan

Adviser:
Ms. Ma. Lourdes M. Rebulanan
UP Rural High School Paciano Rizal, Bay, Laguna

Source: DOST