Ectomycorrhiza: Effect of Climatic Conditions on Growth and Development of Khasi Pine

A study on the seasonal and spatial distribution of ectomycorrhizae and the mycobionts situated at different altitudes of khasi Hills was done. Fifteen ectomycorrhizal fungi were observed during the whole period of investigation in the vicinity of 2, 7 and 12 year old pine plantation. Maximum number of ectomycorrhizae and their sporocarps were observed at the lower altitude and it decreased with the increase in altitude. Age of pines influenced the population of sporocarps and ectomycorrhizae which was found to be directly proportional to the age of the stands. Diversity index of the fungal symbionts was maximum at the lower altitude and minimum at the upper altitude. Positive correlations were obtained between the ectomycorrhizal population amd the climatic as well as edaphic conditions in majority of the pine stands at different altiudes. . Isolation of mycorrhizal fungi, their maintenance, mass inoculum, preparation and pure culture synthesis of mycorrhizae with pine (pinus kesiya Royle ex. Grodon ) were done. Pure mycelial inoculum was prepared for their use in experimental purpose. Effect of climatic conditions i.e., temperature,relative humidity and light intensity and pH we