Mycorrhizal Fungi in Seedlings of Meranti Bukit (Shorea platyclados) in Martelu Purba Nature Reserve

Abstract Shorea platyclados is a commercially important tree species known as Meranti Bukit, and it is nearly threatened. Its population is thought to have declined between 20 to 30% over three generations. This study aims to identify mycorrhizal fungi on S. platyclados seedlings in Martelu Purba Nature Reserve. The sampling method randomly sampled ten soil sample points and ten seedlings on three lines. Furthermore, isolation and identification of mycorrhizal fungi in these samples were carried out microscopically. The results showed the presence of several species of mycorrhizal fungi found in the rhizosphere of S. platyclados seedlings, namely the genus Glomus and Acaulospora. Mycorrhizal fungi are also found in root observations where vesicles and hyphae are found, which means that the roots colonize with mycorrhizal fungi, namely the ectomycorrhizal type. Applying mycorrhizal biofertilizer containing fungi from the genus Glomus and Acaulospora will provide good growth for S. platyclados .