Abstract Title
Effects of Phosphorus Availability and Co-cultivation with Poa secunda on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Colonization of Artemisia tridentata Seedlings
Additional Funding Sources
The project described was supported by the United States Department of Agriculture under Grand No. 2018-67020-27857.
Abstract
Symbiotic associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can increase establishment of Artemisia tridentata (sagebrush) seedlings. To further the formation of these symbioses over the levels that naturally occur in the soil, seedlings can be inoculated in the nursery prior to out-planting. Attainment of high levels of AMF colonization in the nursery is limited, however, by certain common cultivation practices. Specifically, the use of potting mixtures with high peat moss content and the application of phosphorus-rich fertilizers tend to reduce AMF colonization. In this study, we used a potting mixture lacking peat moss and investigated the effect of phosphorus availability and co-cultivation with the grass Poa secunda on AMF colonization of sagebrush roots and the formation of AMF spores. Low phosphorus availability in combination with co-cultivation with P. secunda increased total colonization and the formation of vesicles by approximately 20 and 100%, respectively. The effect of the treatments on the density of AMF spores in the soil is being evaluated. Co-inoculation with P. secunda has also the benefit of increasing the firmness of the root ball, which facilitates transplanting.
Effects of Phosphorus Availability and Co-cultivation with Poa secunda on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Colonization of Artemisia tridentata Seedlings
Symbiotic associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can increase establishment of Artemisia tridentata (sagebrush) seedlings. To further the formation of these symbioses over the levels that naturally occur in the soil, seedlings can be inoculated in the nursery prior to out-planting. Attainment of high levels of AMF colonization in the nursery is limited, however, by certain common cultivation practices. Specifically, the use of potting mixtures with high peat moss content and the application of phosphorus-rich fertilizers tend to reduce AMF colonization. In this study, we used a potting mixture lacking peat moss and investigated the effect of phosphorus availability and co-cultivation with the grass Poa secunda on AMF colonization of sagebrush roots and the formation of AMF spores. Low phosphorus availability in combination with co-cultivation with P. secunda increased total colonization and the formation of vesicles by approximately 20 and 100%, respectively. The effect of the treatments on the density of AMF spores in the soil is being evaluated. Co-inoculation with P. secunda has also the benefit of increasing the firmness of the root ball, which facilitates transplanting.
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