Abstract: As an important indigenous broad leafed tree species,Castanopsis hystrix A.DC.has been commonly adopted for reforestation program in southern China.Many efforts have been tried to enhance the growth of saplings in nursery before transplanting. Mycorrhizal technology could be the most effective way to meet this requirement. This paper reports the inoculant efficacy of 11 ectomycorrhizal fungal isolates belonging to 7 genera(Tuber,Tricholoma, Rhizopogon,Laccaria,Pisolithus, Scleroderma and Descolea)on C. hystrix saplings in a glasshouse.All fungal isolates were capable of colonizing root systems of saplings to form ectomycorrhizal associations 26 weeks after inoculation though the infective rates varied within 48%～95%. Effects of each fungal treatment on the growth and photosynthesis were assessed 26 weeks after inoculation. Statistic analysis revealed the great response of the growth on fungal inoculation. There were substantial differences on the height, basal diameter,dry weight and other growth index of inoculated saplings compared to those of uninoculated(P0 01). Inoculation also affected photosynthesis, transpiration and water use efficiency of saplings. Isolates, Pisolithus C9132-MH727-C9216, Rhizopogon 9480 and Tricholoma 9810,were the most efficient colonizers for the growth improvement of C. hystris saplings, and the potential for inoculation programs. This is the first report on mycorrhizal formation of the European Perigord black truffle (Tuber melanosporum Vittad.) on Chinese native tree species through inoculation techniques.