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Effect of Glomus spp. on the growth of eastern cottonwood cuttings

Informally Refereed

Abstract

The rapid juvenile growth of eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoids Bartr. ex Marsh.) makes it a desirable hardwood species for revegetation of disturbed sites. In addition, revegetation may be facilitated by improved root growth in response to endomycorrhizal colonization. An experiment was conducted to identify the effect of inoculation with a mix of three Glomus spp. isolates on the root growth rate of eastern cottonwood cuttings. Results indicated that endomycorrhizal colonization of eastern cottonwood cuttings was successful using commercial endomycorrhizal spore inoculum. However, endomycorrhizal inoculation appeared to have a negative effect on growth during greenhouse production. Factors contributing to this response are discussed. Reduced root growth rate in response to endomycorrhizal inoculation, but lack of either shoot or root dry weight response, suggests that endomycorrhizal inoculation may have affected root system morphology.

Keywords

Glomus, eastern cottonwood, Populus deltoids, hardwoods, revegetation, roots, endomycorrhiza

Citation

Sword, Mary Anne; Smith, Joan P.; Garrett, Harold E. 1991. Effect of Glomus spp. on the growth of eastern cottonwood cuttings. In: Coleman, Sandra S.; Neary, Daniel G., comps. and eds. Proceedings of the sixth biennial southern silvicultural research conference; 1990 October 30-November 1; Memphis, TN. Gen. Tech. Rep. SE-70. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southeastern Forest Experiment Station: 505-512.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/47830