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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Albany, California » Western Regional Research Center » Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #218617
Title: Innoculation of Almond Rootstock with Symbiotic Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi

Author
item Hua, Sui Sheng
item Browne, Greg
item Ledbetter, Craig

Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/1/2007
Publication Date: 12/5/2007
Citation: Hua, S.T., Browne, G.T., Ledbetter, C.A. 2007. Innoculation of Almond Rootstock with Symbiotic Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi. Meeting Proceedings.

Interpretive Summary: There is very limited research being conducted on using AM mycorrhizal fungi to improve almond root system. Numerous research publications have documented the AM symbiotic association with roots can increase mineral nutrition uptake, disease resistance and water stress tolerance to plants while optimizing the conservation of soil and water resources. Utilization of these AM fungi by almond growers may generate multiple benefits resulting in economic gains and environmental sustainment. The purpose of this study is to determine if specific practices associated with planting almonds (e.g., pre-plant fumigation, inoculation with AM, or other factors like choice of field grown vs. potted nursery stock) have an impact on AM fungal populations to the extent subsequent tree performance is affected.

Technical Abstract: Soil borne arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus forms a symbiotic (mutualistic) relationship with most plants. The fungus colonizes the root and grows out into the soil. Hyphae net work, the part of the fungus that's in the soil acts as an extension of the root system. The scope of the research is to determine if there is value in adding AM fungi inoculum, particularly at planting of bare root (field grown) and the potted-plant nursery stock; to determine if pre-plant fumigation impacts the extent and nature of mycorrhizal populations in the soil and is this of consequence?; and to characterize the mycorrhizal fungi populations present on field grown nursery stock vs. potted plants at the time of planting and during the first season after planting as well as resulting tree performance. Molecular technologies will be applied to details of AM fungi and the symbiosis.