Basidiospore Inoculation of Soil: The Effect of Application Timing onPinus elliottiiSeedling Development

A split-split-plot design was used to test the effect of different times and methods of applying a basidiospore inoculum of Rhizopogon luteolus on the growth of Pinus elliottii seedlings in open-root nursery beds. The inoculum was mixed with soil to facilitate its application. After 26 weeks growth, sterilisation, applied to the main plots, showed a negative response. Fertilizer applied to sub-plots did not influence seedling dry mass but did modify response to the inoculation treatments. In sterilised soil, mixing-in the inoculum produced a significant increase in dry mass. In non-fumigated soil, mixing the inoculum into the soil rendered it ineffective, whilst topdressing resulted in a significant increase in seedling dry mass.