ISHS Acta Horticulturae 271: VII International Asparagus Symposium
EVIDENCE FOR SUCCESSION OF MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI IN MICHIGAN ASPARAGUS FIELDS |
| Authors: | Tracy L. Wacker, Gene R. Safir, S. N. Stephenson |
| Abstract:
Rhizosphere soils collected from Michigan asparagus plantings ranging from 1 to 18 years of age were analyzed for the presence of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi. In addition, root samples were assessed for VAM colonization levels. Mycorrhizal colonization was not evident in storage roots at any age and declined in secondary roots of asparagus plantings over eight years of age. The age of the asparagus planting did not affect total VAM fungal populations as measured by chlamydospores per gram of soil. However, chlamydospores of Glomus and Acaulospora spp. were the most prevalent in younger fields and in non-asparagus soils, while Gigaspora spp. predominated in asparagus fields over 12 years of age. Species composition of rhizosphere soils and VAM root colonization were not related to soil nutrient availability. | |
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