Significant variations in growth of mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal seedlings i.e., shoot length, collar diameter, number of needles, root length and root-shoot dry weight etc. were noticed in different provenances of C. torulosa under nursery conditions. The maximum total biomass after 6 months growth in mycorrhizal seedlings was 0.075 g/seedling, which was considerably higher than that of non-mycorrhizal seedlings (0.051 g/seedling). In mycorrhizal seedlings of C. torulosa, a highly significant (p < 0.001) correlation was observed between number of needles vs. shoot biomass (r = 0.85) and root biomass (r = 0.70). From the present study it is clear that inoculation with mycorrhizae is beneficial for the growth and survival of C. torulosa seedlings and hence recommended for successful afforestation programmes.
Biomass, Correlation coefficient, Feeder roots, Inoculation, Seedlings growth
