Different ectomycorrhizal fungal species impact poplar growth but not phosphorus utilization under low P supply

Tree growth is often limited by phosphorus (P) availability. The trade-off between P homeostasis and growth is unknown. Ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) facilitate P availability but this trait varies among different fungal species and isolates. Here, we tested the hypotheses that (i) colonization with EMF boosts plant growth under P-limited conditions and that (ii) the poplars show P homeostasis because increased P uptake is used for growth and not for P accumulation in the tissues. We used two P treatments (high phosphate [HP]: 64 μM Pi, low phosphate [LP]: 0.64 μM Pi in the nutrient solution) and four fungal treatments (Paxillus involutus MAJ, Paxillus involutus NAU, Laccaria bicolor dikaryon LBD, Laccaria bicolor monokaryon LBM) in addition to non-inoculated poplar plants (NI) to measure growth, biomass, gas exchange and P contents. High phosphate (HP) stimulated growth compared with LP conditions. Poplars colonized with MAJ, NAU and NI showed higher growth and biomass production than those with LBD or LBM. Photosynthesis rates of poplars with lower biomass production were similar to or higher than those of plants with higher growth rates. The tissue concentrations of P were higher under HP than LP conditions and rarely affected by ectomycorrhizal colonization. Under LP, the plants produced 44% greater biomass per unit of P than under HP. At a given P supply, the tissue concentration was stable irrespective of the growth rate indicating P homeostasis. Laccaria bicolor caused growth inhibition, irrespective of P availability. These results suggest that in young poplars distinct species-specific ectomycorrhizal traits overshadowed potential growth benefits.