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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Corvallis, Oregon » Horticultural Crops Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #193975
Title: Put mycorrhizae to use: The natural fungi can greatly improve plants’ nutrient and water uptake

Author
item Scagel, Carolyn
item 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.