Field persistence of the edible ectomycorrhizal fungus Lactarius deliciosus: effects of inoculation strain, initial colonization level, and site characteristics.

Pinus pinea plants were inoculated with different strains of the edible ectomycorrhizal fungus Lactarius deliciosus. The inoculated plants were established in six experimental plantations in two sites located in the Mediterranean area to determine the effect of the initial colonization level and the inoculated strain on fungal persistence in the field. Ectomycorrhizal root colonization was determined at transplantation time and monitored at different times from uprooted plants. Extraradical soil mycelium biomass was determined from soil samples by TaqMan(R) real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The results obtained indicate that the field site played a decisive role in the persistence of L. deliciosus after outplanting. The initial colonization level and the selection of the suitable strain were also significant factors but their effect on the persistence and spread of L. deliciosus was conditioned by the physical-chemical and biotic characteristics of the plantation soil and, possibly, by their influence in root growth. Molecular techniques based on real-time PCR allowed a precise quantification of extraradical mycelium of L. deliciosus in the field. The technique is promising for non-destructive assessment of fungal persistence since soil mycelium may be a good indicator of root colonization. However, the accuracy of the technique will ultimately depend on the development of appropriate soil sampling methods because of the high variability observed.