Nitrogen isotope fractionation during nitrogen transport from ectomycorrhizal fungi,Suillus granulatus, to the host plant,Pinus densiflora

The 15N natural abundance in Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucco that had been inoculated and not inoculated with ectomycorrhizal fungi (Suillus granulatus (L.:Fr.) O. Kuntze) was compared. The inoculated pine needles showed a lower δ15N value, while the uninoculated ones showed a higher δ15N value. Higher δ15N values in the mycelial mat of the ectomycorrhizal fungi compared to those of the inoculated pine needles were also observed. These facts indicate that nitrogen isotope fractionation occurred during the nitrogen transport from mycorrhizal fungi to the host plants.