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Submitted to: HortTechnology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 2/1/2004 Publication Date: 7/1/2004 Citation: Scagel, C.F. Enhanced rooting of kinnikinnick cuttings using mycorrhizal fungi in rooting subtrate. HortTechnology. 2004. 14(3) p.355-363. Interpretive Summary: Hardwood cuttings of kinnikinnick were inoculated with three different types of inoculum of mycorrhizal fungi to determine whether addition of mycorrhizal inoculum into the rooting substrate during cutting propagation increases rooting or root growth, or alters the time for rooting. Cuttings, treated or untreated with rooting hormone prior to sticking into the rooting substrate, were inoculated with either inoculum of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF), hyphal inoculum of an arbutoid mycorrhizal fungus (E), or inoculum consisting of colonized root fragments of kinnikinnick (R). Cuttings were placed under mist in a greenhouse with no bottom heat and harvested 35, 56 and 84 d after sticking. Using AMF inoculum in the rooting substrate did not enhance rooting of cuttings while adding the R or E inoculum to the rooting substrate enhanced early rooting of cuttings compared to non-inoculated cuttings. Cuttings inoculated with either the R or E inoculum had greater root initiation than non-inoculated cuttings 56 and 84 d after sticking. Rooting hormone increased the length and weight of roots on cuttings inoculated with the R or E inoculum. When treated with rooting hormone, cuttings inoculated with the E inoculum had longer roots and a greater root biomass than non-inoculated cuttings. Root colonization was similar or greater when cuttings were inoculated with the E inoculum than with the R inoculum and application of rooting hormone generally increased root colonization. The use of inoculum composed of root fragments from kinnikinnick during cutting propagation does not appear to be more beneficial than use of hyphal inoculum from a known arbutoid mycorrhizal fungus. Technical Abstract: Hardwood cuttings of kinnikinnick were inoculated with three different types of inoculum of mycorrhizal fungi to determine whether addition of mycorrhizal inoculum into the rooting substrate during cutting propagation increases rooting or root growth, or alters the time for rooting. Cuttings, treated or untreated with rooting hormone prior to sticking into the rooting substrate, were inoculated with either inoculum of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF), hyphal inoculum of an arbutoid mycorrhizal fungus (E), or inoculum consisting of colonized root fragments of kinnikinnick (R). Cuttings were placed under mist in a greenhouse with no bottom heat and harvested 35, 56 and 84 d after sticking. Using AMF inoculum in the rooting substrate did not enhance rooting of cuttings while adding the R or E inoculum to the rooting substrate enhanced early rooting of cuttings compared to non-inoculated cuttings. Cuttings inoculated with either the R or E inoculum had greater root initiation than non-inoculated cuttings 56 and 84 d after sticking. Rooting hormone increased the length and weight of roots on cuttings inoculated with the R or E inoculum. When treated with rooting hormone, cuttings inoculated with the E inoculum had longer roots and a greater root biomass than non-inoculated cuttings. Root colonization was similar or greater when cuttings were inoculated with the E inoculum than with the R inoculum and application of rooting hormone generally increased root colonization. The use of inoculum composed of root fragments from kinnikinnick during cutting propagation does not appear to be more beneficial than use of hyphal inoculum from a known arbutoid mycorrhizal fungus. |
