The Growth of Three Woody Plant Species and the Development of their Mycorrhizae in Three Different Plant Composts1
Year: 1982
Type: article
Abstract: Composts of corn ( Zea mays L.), eastern hemlock [ Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr.], and sugar maple ( Acer saccharum Marsh.) were each used as the medium for container-grown hemlocks, sugar maples, and rhododendrons ( Rhododendron catawbiense Michx.) over a 3-year period. Corn compost was high in available nutrients and the unamended hemlock and maple composts were relatively low in nutrients. No vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) development was observed in a corn plant bioassay of corn compost while a moderate development was found in the hemlock compost and a high development found in the maple compost. Sugar maples showed the greatest plant growth and incidence of VA mycorrhizae in maple compost and also showed a positive growth response to fertilizer. Corn compost was lethal to 50% of the maples and produced a retarded growth and very low incidence of VAM in the survivors. Hemlocks showed the greatest plant growth and incidence of ectomycorrhizae in either unfertilized hemlock compost or unfertilized maple compost. A significant retarded growth response to fertilizer was found with hemlocks. Rhododendrons showed the greatest growth in corn compost and the fertilized composts. A negative correlation was found between growth and the incidence of ericoid mycorrhizae in rhododendrons. Differences in compost effects upon plant growth were probably due to differences in the content of plant nutrients and in the type and quantity of mycorrhizal propagules.
Author: A. J. R. Guttay
Institution: University of Connecticut
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDGs: Zero hunger, Life on land
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,500
OpenAlex ID: W4299526528