COMPARATIVE PHYSIOMORPHOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE OF HALF-SIB SEEDLINGS OF TEN TEAK CLONES UNDER SUBOPTIMAL AND OPTIMAL ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL COLONISATION

Abstract

The physiomorphological response of half-sib seedlings of 10 teak (Tectona grandis) clones to native and introduced arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi inocula was tested under nursery conditions. Exogenous application of AM fungi benefited most teak clones, except APNPL-5. However, the response of various physiomorphological characteristics to AM fungi inoculum was
positive (albeit variable) in all 10 teak clones. The AM fungi inoculum significantly improved root colonisation in all clones, leaf P level in all clones except UP-C2, leaf number in MHSC-A2, stomatal conductance in all clones except APNPL-5, transpiration rate in MHAL-A5, MHAL-P7, MHSC-A2, ORANP-7, photosynthetic rate in all clones, except APNPL-5 and MHSC-A3, water use efficiency in MHAL-P1, MYHD-2, UP-C2, nitrate reductase activity in 6 of 10 clones, plant dry weight in most clones except APNPL-5, MHAL-5 and MHAL-P1 as well as seedling volume in APNPL-5, MHAL-A5, MHSC-A3, MYHV-5, ORANP-7 and UP-C2. The present study revealed (1) the importance of AM symbiosis in growth and water flux in teak and (2) the existence of separate compatibilities between the AM fungi inoculum used and teak clones for colonisation. Inoculation of half-sib seedlings of various teak clones with AM fungi is recommended for production of sturdy seedlings that will ensure high survival and better performance in the field.