Growth chamber trials evaluated commercial mycorrhizal products for effects on onion growth, nutrients, and root colonization.
This study evaluated four commercial arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) products in a controlled growth chamber to assess their effects on onion growth, nutrient uptake, and root colonization. Soil from a low-phosphorus organic field in the Columbia Basin was pasteurized and amended with BioTerra Plus, MycoApply Ultrafine Endo, Mykos Gold Granular, or MykePro Granular. Onion seedlings (cv. Talon) were grown in replicated trials and assessed for shoot height, biomass, foliar nutrients, and AMF colonization. In the first trial, Mykos Gold Granular significantly increased plant height, shoot dry weight, foliar nutrient levels, and AMF colonization compared to the control. BioTerra Plus treatments improved some growth and nutrient metrics, though effects varied depending on product fertility and pasteurization. In contrast, MycoApply Ultrafine Endo and MykePro Granular showed no significant effects. In the second trial, growth differences were not significant among treatments, although Mykos Gold again produced high levels of AMF colonization. Results indicate that product performance varied substantially, with consistent colonization benefits only observed for one product under these conditions.
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Authors
Knerr, J., Paulitz, T., and du Toit, L. J.
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Related Project
Year Published
2016
Topics
Crops, Production Systems, and Soils & Fertility
Collaborators
- Washington State University Mount Vernon Northwestern Washington Research & Extension Center
