Cemagref : Individual report

The results obtained in 1996 confirmed the trends observed the first 2 years, and also added new findings. The inoculation of Sessile oak with Paxillus involutus led to mycorrhizal plants but survival was poor in all treatments. All other results were obtained with Laccaria bicolor S238N in Douglas-fir and Norway spruce. In nursery beds, it is necessary to fumigate the soil before inoculation, even when helping bacteria Bbc6 is provided. Irrigation, fertilisers and weed-killers were profitable and they can be used with inoculated cuttings; they can also enhance the early-field performance. After planting, the 1996 height growth was significantly improved by Laccaria bicolor S238N on a Douglas-fir planting site, in Burgundy. The reverse effect was obtained on a Norway Spruce planting site, in Jura. These facts confirmed that, after planting, S238N is still suitable for Douglas-fir but no longer for Norway Spruce. At last (task F), there was no evidence of interaction between Norway spruce genotype and inoculation with Laccaria bicolor S238N.