A misting apparatus for studying plant-microbe interactions and nutrient utilization

Abstract

Among the most widespread associations between microorganisms and higher plants are mycorrhizas. Endomycorrhizal associations are known to play a significant role in the growth of plants in soils worldwide. The major benefit of the fungus-plant symbiosis is that the mycorrhizal fungi assimilate and transport P, Zn, and Cu to the host plant roots. Determining the effects of field and cultural practices and of competitive microbial interactions on the populations of and infections by different VAM fungi has not been possible because methods for their study have not been available. Development of appropriate and cost effective inoculation technology would expand the use of VAM fungi to a far wider scale of agricultural production systems. Progress in basic and applied studies on VAM fungi in agriculture requires a reliable source of germplasm uncontaminated with other microorganisms.