Abstract Detail

Mycology

Meriwether, Megan [1], Walker, Hayley [2], Twanabasu, Bishnu [3].

Effectiveness of commercially available mycorrhizal products on seed germination and seedling growth.

Background/Questions/Methods Mycorrhizal fungi are proven to enhance seed germination and seedling growth of many plants. Mycorrhizal fungi colonize more than 90% of plants helping them to access soil nutrients, primarily the phosphorus trading with organic carbon from the plants for fungal survival. With increase in information of plant fungal symbioses, production of mycorrhizal fungi has been increased in the recent decade. Globally 440 million dollars are spent on commercial mycorrhizal products by farmers each year. This is continuing to grow by 10% annually. We tested two mycorrhizal products purchased online to study the effectiveness of the fungal products on germination of four commercial seeds (Marigold, Cucumber, Sunflower, and Tomato) purchased from Walmart in Weatherford TX. This experiment was performed by seed germination on petri-dishes at Weatherford College Greenhouse. Four seed species were purchased and set on the top filter paper; while underneath the filter paper, contained the mycorrhizal product. Seeds were kept moist using a wick to soak up the water from the trays in which petri-dishes were set. Seeds were observed every 24 hours for germination. Upon germination, the seeds were transplanted to pots with autoclaved soil and the bio-inoculant at the bottom of the seed hole. These were kept at a greenhouse temperature of ?79? and watered twice a day. Date of germination, was recorded, as well as the height of the plants over a 3-week period. Results/Conclusion Among the four species of plants, marigold seeds germinated the quickest and reached 100% germination by day six in both products tested, while only 90% germinated in the control. Sunflower seeds started to germinate in three days which had an average of 60±5.77% in the product "A", 80±10% in product "B" and 56.66±5.66% by day ten. Similarly, cucumber seeds had an average of 46.67±15.28% in product "A", 63.33±11.55% in product "B" and 46.67±20.82% in control by day ten. Furthermore, tomato seeds germinated very slow with 3.33%, 3.33% and 0% in control, product "A", and product "B" respectively by day ten. Our results, suggest that commercial mycorrhizal products may be beneficial for some cultural plants to improve germination; however, further studies are needed to confirm more seeds and products.

1 - Weatherford College, 225 College Park Dr., Weatherford, Tx, 76086, USA
2 - Weatherford College, Biology, 225 College Park Dr., Weatherford, Tx, 76086, USA
3 - Weatherford College, 225 College Park Dr., Weatherford, Tx, 76086, United States

Keywords:
mycorrhizal fungi
commerical bioinoculants .

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Mycology
Location: Grand Ballroom - Exhibit Hall/Mayo Civic Center
Date: Monday, July 23rd, 2018
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 5:30 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PMY003
Abstract ID:913
Candidate for Awards:None