Pisolithus

Pisolithus tinctorius (Pers.) Coker and Couch (Syn.p P. arhizus [Scop.: Pers.] Rauschert) is an ectomycorrhizal fungus that interacts with some of the most important tree genera from temperate forests. In this chapter, we focus on the current knowledge about the beneficial role of P. tinctorius on its host plants. P. tinctorius has an overall positive effect on plant performance, which is often translated into increased shoot growth (height and weight), higher photosynthetic capacity, and mineral nutrient acquisition. Under environmental stress conditions, such as water deficit or soil chemical contamination, plant inoculation with P. tinctorius can afford some degree of tolerance, with mycorrhizal plants showing lower growth decline and less stress symptoms. However, the mechanisms involved in this tolerance have not yet been elucidated.