Effects of Mycorrhizal Fungi, Biostimulants and Water Absorbing Polymers on the Growth and Survival of Four Landscape Plant Species
The addition of commercial mycorrhizal, transplant gel and/or biostimulant products to the root balls or backfill soil of Japanese holly, (Ilex crenata Thunb. ‘Green Luster’); arborvitae, (Thuja occidentalis L. ‘Emerald Green’); Japanese spirea, (Spiraea japonica L.f. ‘Shibori’); Bradford Callery pear, (Pyrus calleryana Decne. ‘Cleveland Select’ and ‘Redspire’) at the time of planting did not lead to significant improvement of plant growth or transplant survival compared to untreated plants receiving routine mulching with pine bark mulch alone.Abstract
Contributor Notes
The authors would like to thank Imperial Nurseries, Granby, CT, and Prides Corner Farms, Lebanon, CT, for their donation of plant material and to BioBurst 'n Grow, Bio/Organics, JRM Chemical Inc., Plant Health Care Inc. and Roots, Inc. for their donation of the commercial products; and Rich Horvath for help with plant installation and plot maintenance.
2Assistant Scientist II and Assistant Soil Scientist II, respectively.