Plant Colonization Studies on Black Wastes from Anthracite Mining in Pennsylvania

Comparative effects of the soil microflora on ectomycorrhizal inoculation of conifer seedlings

“…A similar situation was observed in the field (McAfee & Fortin, 1986) where P. tinctorius formed extensive mycorrhizas when prepared inoculum plus were used to inoculate seedlings in vitro but this mycobiont was unable to compete with the indigenous mycota after outplanting. Navratil, Phillips & Wynia (1981), have reported success with seedlings inoculated with P. tinctorius, and Schramm (1966) found that this fungus was the most common ectomycorrhizal symbiont on acidic mined land. The success of P. tinctorius in extreme environmental situations may be due to the exclusion of other competitors in these adverse conditions.…”

“…drought (Parke, Linderman & Black, 1983), high The rhizosphere is the most biologically active temperatures (Marx, Bryan & Davey, 1970), high part of the soil and strongly influences ectomycor-acidity (Schramm, 1966;Marx & Artman, 1979) rhizal development. Several authors (Theodorou, and other species have demonstrated the potential 1967; Bowen & Theodorou, 1979;Rambelli, 1973) for suppressing phytopathogenic fungi (Sylvia & have reported either beneficial or negative effects on Sinclair, 1983), little investigation has been carried ectomycorrhizal infection associated with soil micro-out on the effects of synergistic associations of ectomycorrhizal isolates on plant growth.…”

Colonization Bottlenecks on Acidic Coal Spoils

“…Approximately 75% of the mortality observed during this two year period occurred in the winter of 1989/90. Inspection of the seedlings at the end of this winter (March 1990) revealed that many root systems were uprooted in a manner consistent with frost heaving (Schramm 1966). During the winter of 1990/91 frost heaving was also evident but little mortality occurred, presumably because the seedlings had more extensive and deeper root systems than during the first winter.…”

“…Unshaded mine soils can attain very high surface temperatures and low moisture levels during summer months (Schramm 1966;Bell and Ungar 1982). Mycorrhizal fungi, important symbionts of established trees on mine sites (Marx 1975;Shuffstall and Medve 1979) The mycorrhizal aspect of the experiment followed, in modified form, the research protocal of Medve et al (1977).…”

“…During summer months, bare mine soils can be subject to high daytime surface soil temperatures (50-60°C) and extremely low moisture levels (Schramm 1966;Bell and Ungar 1982). For seedlings to survive, they must develop root systems that penetrate beyond the .…”