Hydrophylic Polymers as a Carrier for VA Mycorrhizal Inoculum

Four techniques of inoculating rooted Carissa grandiflora cuttings with the mycorrhizal fungus Glomus intraradices were evaluated. Placement of a root inoculum around the root systems of Carissa or totally incorporated into potting medium resulted in higher colonization levels than dipping cutting root systems in suspensions of inoculum in Viterra or Terrasorb hydrophyllic polymers. Growth responses, especially top dry weight, showed little difference among the inoculation techniques. Mycorrhizal mediated growth benefits for the tops were realized for all treatments. Storage of root inoculum for 12 weeks at 4.4°C (40 °F) had little effect on colonization levels by the fungus in Carissa roots.