Enhanced Root and Stem Growth and Physiological Changes in Pinus bungeana Zucc. Seedlings by Microbial Inoculant Application

Background and Objectives: As an extensively used tree species in landscaping afforestation China, lacebark pine (Pinus bungeana Zucc.) seedlings are high demand. However, the small number of fine roots low growth rate increase risks encountered during transplant extend nursery time for outplanting. We aimed to find out whether a microbial inoculant would promote root accordingly, shorten cultivation time. Materials Methods: One-year-old were treated with Bacillus subtilis 8–32 six times from June September. At each application time, five treatments undiluted inoculants (UM), 30 diluted (30 DM), 40 (40 50 (50 distilled water as control (CTRL) administered seedlings. In end, all harvested measure growth, aboveground physiological indices. Results: Root stem was enhanced by terms increased tips, length surface area roots, biomass stems, well height basal diameter. The chlorophyll a/b needles increased, spite fact that total content decreased at end phase. Meanwhile, maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) treatments. soluble sugar additionally translocated into stems UM treatment, suggesting change carbon allocation. available potassium, phosphorus, ammonium nitrogen potting soil DM group, organic matter Conclusions: 8–32, appropriate concentrations, could be applied shoot improve seedling quality cultivation.