Abstract
BackgroundArbuscular mycorrhizal fungi provide benefits to plants, especially under stressful growing conditions. These symbiotic fungi can be applied as biofertilizers prior to transplant in order to increase establishment success in the field. Roots are often trimmed at the time of transplant to reduce the probability of J-rooting, the upward orientation of roots within a planting hole which can lead to root death and disease. The effect of root trimming on the mycorrhizal symbiosis is unknown. It is possible that trimming may remove the active mycelium, nullifying the effect of inoculation. We conducted a greenhouse study to test the effect of root trimming on the mycorrhizal symbiosis in grapevine.ResultsThe mycorrhizal symbiosis persisted after root trimming. Trimming reduced the abundance of AM fungi in older roots. The fungi were able to recolonize the new roots in trimmed vines, and these roots had more arbuscules compared to older roots, which had mostly vesicles. Trimmed vines had lower shoot, but not root, biomass.ConclusionsThe mycorrhizal symbiosis persisted in the roots, despite trimming, likely due to fungal structures in older, untrimmed roots serving as propagules. We conclude that inoculation with AM fungi prior to field transplant is robust to root trimming, at least for the isolate examined in this study.
Highlights
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi provide benefits to plants, especially under stressful growing conditions
Root trimming effects on arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and rootstocks Trimming did not affect mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) concentration within root systems (Table 1) but an interaction was found between trimming and region of root system sampled (p = 0.035), indicating that trimming reduced AM fungal mDNA abundance in the older root zone only (t = 2.97, p = 0.006) (Fig. 1)
There was no interaction between rootstock identity and root trimming in regard to AM fungal abundance or plant biomass
Summary
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi provide benefits to plants, especially under stressful growing conditions. These symbiotic fungi can be applied as biofertilizers prior to transplant in order to increase establishment success in the field. Roots are often trimmed at the time of transplant to reduce the probability of J-rooting, the upward orientation of roots within a planting hole which can lead to root death and disease. An important research goal is to find sustainable methods to improve vine establishment during transplant into the field. One cultural method used to improve vine establishment during transplant is trimming roots. This practice reduces the incidence of roots growing upward because of limited space in the planting hole, resulting in a “J-rooting” pattern. Trimming reduces the vigor of young vines, likely due to a smaller root system and subsequent reduced water uptake and transpiration [8, 9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
