This study was carried out in the field to evaluate root colonization of three Eucalyptus grandis x E. urophylla hybrids by mycorrhizal fungi as affected by soil conditions. Roots of three clonal trees, each five year old, were evaluated in regard to colonization by ectomycorrhizal and by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, in three areas of the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil, at four different times (July and October, 1992; January and April, 1993). The percentage of mycorrhizal colonization was dependent on the area, time of sampling, and clone. Ectomycorrhiza occurrence was highest in summer - regardless of the area - when highest temperatures were recorded. The mean values of root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, for the three areas, as a function of sampling time, did not show consistent variations. Correlations between values for soil chemical characteristics and colonization percentage were generally negative, when statistically significant. The spore numbers of arbuscular micorrhyzal fungi per gram of soil changed with area and time of sampling, reaching the highest values in the rainy period.
Eucalyptus; ectomycorrhiza; arbuscular mycorrhyiza