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Submitted to: North American Cranberry Research and Extension Workers Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 9/15/2003 Publication Date: 10/8/2003 Citation: FIELD INOCULATION OF CRANBERRY WITH ERICOID MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI: ARE THERE ANY BENEFITS IN ORGANIC PRODUCTION? Scagel, C.F. Interpretive Summary: The ability of ericoid mycorrhizal fungi (EMF) to transfer substantial quantities of nutrients assimilated from organic sources in the soil to their plant host is an important factor to consider when assessing optimal cultural and fertilization practices for cranberry production. A field study in 'Stevens' cranberry beds managed under organic practices was initiated to determine whether (1) the low mycorrhizal status of young cranberry bogs can be altered by inoculation with EMF, (2) inoculation results in detectable changes in nutrient composition of field grown plants, and (3) inoculation alters available soil nutrient levels in bogs managed under their normal production practices. In 2000, plots were established in production beds of four different ages (2, 4, 7, and 8 years old) and seasonal changes tissue and soil nutrient concentrations and root colonization by EMF were measured. Bed age had a significant influence on root colonization by EMF in response to inoculation and the response of plant and soil nutrient concentrations to inoculation. Our results suggest that low colonization of plants in young beds is partially a result of low inoculum potential of the sandy soil and colonization can be increased by artificial introduction of EMF. However, even three years after inoculation, colonization was still not considered high (when compared to older beds or roots from other ericaceous plants growing along the perimeter of the bed). Other environmental conditions of the beds used in our experiment (possibly related to bed age) appear to not be conducive for EMF colonization and result in only small or no plant and soil responses to inoculation. Technical Abstract: The ability of ericoid mycorrhizal fungi (EMF) to transfer substantial quantities of nutrients assimilated from organic sources in the soil to their plant host is an important factor to consider when assessing optimal cultural and fertilization practices for cranberry production. A field study in 'Stevens' cranberry beds managed under organic practices was initiated to determine whether (1) the low mycorrhizal status of young cranberry bogs can be altered by inoculation with EMF, (2) inoculation results in detectable changes in nutrient composition of field grown plants, and (3) inoculation alters available soil nutrient levels in bogs managed under their normal production practices. In 2000, plots were established in production beds of four different ages (2, 4, 7, and 8 years old) and seasonal changes tissue and soil nutrient concentrations and root colonization by EMF were measured. Bed age had a significant influence on root colonization by EMF in response to inoculation and the response of plant and soil nutrient concentrations to inoculation. Our results suggest that low colonization of plants in young beds is partially a result of low inoculum potential of the sandy soil and colonization can be increased by artificial introduction of EMF. However, even three years after inoculation, colonization was still not considered high (when compared to older beds or roots from other ericaceous plants growing along the perimeter of the bed). Other environmental conditions of the beds used in our experiment (possibly related to bed age) appear to not be conducive for EMF colonization and result in only small or no plant and soil responses to inoculation. |
