Author
Scagel, Carolyn | |
Linderman, Robert |
Submitted to: Nursery Management and Production
Publication Type: Trade Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 4/5/2006 Publication Date: 7/1/2006 Citation: Scagel, C.F., Linderman, R.G. 2006. Put mycorrhizae to use: The natural fungi can greatly improve plants’ nutrient and water uptake. Nursery Management and Production. July 2006. p. 44-49. Interpretive Summary: Mycorrhizal fungi are beneficial root-inhabiting organisms that can increase nutrient and water uptake by plants and decrease disease susceptibility. Inoculum of mycorrhizal fungi is commercially available; however, the theoretical benefits of inoculation during nursery production are sometimes not realized or recognized. Reasons for successes and failures of mycorrhizal inoculants in nursery production are discussed, including cultivar-specific responses to inoculation, optimal time for using inoculum during production, and cultural practices. Technical Abstract: Mycorrhizal fungi are beneficial root-inhabiting organisms that can increase nutrient and water uptake by plants and decrease disease susceptibility. Inoculum of mycorrhizal fungi is commercially available; however, the theoretical benefits of inoculation during nursery production are sometimes not realized or recognized. Reasons for successes and failures of mycorrhizal inoculants in nursery production are discussed, including cultivar-specific responses to inoculation, optimal time for using inoculum during production, and cultural practices. |