Influence of ericoid and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the root system topology of a micropropagated woody plant species (Prunus cerasifera L.)

The effects on root system topology of micropropagated transplants of Prunus cereasifera inoculated with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Glomus mossease or with the ericoid mycorrhizal fungus Hymenoscyphus ericae were assessed. Drawing a comparison with control plants, AM colonization increased the magnitude, external pathlength and altitude of the root system, meanwhile shifting its structure to a more pronounced dichotomous one. Hymenoscyphus ericae caused opposite effects on root architecture. These effects were more significant at the moment of the first harvest or in physiologically young roots. Hypotheses are formulated on the functional meaning of these effects.