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Plant Response to Mycorrhizal Fungi: Host, Endophyte, and Soil Effects
Author(s) -
Bethlenfalvay Gabor J.,
Ulrich Jane M.,
Brown Milford S.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1985.03615995004900050018x
Subject(s) - biology , shoot , glomus , endophyte , sorghum , agronomy , dry weight , mycorrhiza , colonization , symbiosis , botany , bacteria , ecology , genetics
Interactions and growth responses in soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and sorghum [ Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] colonized by the vesicular‐arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi [ Glomus fasciculatum (Thaxt. sensu Gerd.) Gerd. and Trappe] or [ Glomus mosseae (Nicol. & Gerd.) Gerd. and Trappe] as grown in three northern California soil types were investigated in a 2 by 2 by 3 factorial experiment. Growth and development of both symbiotic partners were significantly influenced by all three factors (host plant, endophyte, soil). Growth responses to VAM‐fungal colonization varied with soil type from −10 to 400%. Phosphorus concentrations increased significantly in all soybean and some sorghum plants relative to non‐VAM controls as a result of VAM‐fungal colonization. Shoot dry matter as percent of fresh weight increased significantly in only those VAM plants which had also experienced a significant growth enhancement. Root/shoot ratios of most VAM plants were lower than those of the controls. Changes in root/shoot ratios were inversely related to changes in dry weight. The results show that soil type, as well as the host‐endophyte combination, is a significant factor in modifying the VAM growth effect independently of mineral nutrient availability.