In vitro colonization of micropropagated Pieris floribunda by ericoid mycorrhizae. II. Effects on acclimatization and growth

Inoculation of microshoots of Pieris floribunda (Pursh ex Sims) Benth, and Hook. (mountain andromeda) with isolates of Hymenoseyphus ericae (Read) Kor f and Kernan ericoid mycorrhizal fungi stimulated growth during 1 month in vitro. However, no benefits were apparent after 3 months in a greenhouse. A cclimatization of plantlets of P. floribunda to greenhouse conditions follo wing in vitro inoculation improved survival (42% vs. 16% for controls). The protocol reported herein is similar to procedures utilized currently for m icropropagation of various ericaceous species and has potential to improve plantlet survival during acclimatization.