Abstract

Container-grown Podocarpus macrophyllus (Thunb.) D. Don and Ligustrum japonicum Thunb. inoculated or noninoculated with the mycorrhizal fungus Glomus intraradices Schenck & Smith were fertilized with Lesco 20N-2.6P-10K (20-6-12) at either 0, 4.3, 8.6, 17.3 or 34.6 g (0, 0.15, 0.30, 0.60 or 1.20 oz) per 6-l (#2) container. Plants were fertilized at potting and again 3.5 months later for each of 2 consecutive applications. Seven months after potting, P. macrophyllus shoot dry weights were greater for noninoculated than inoculated plants when fertilized with the manufacturer's recommended fertilizer rate of 17.3 g per container. L. japonicum shoot dry weights were not different due to inoculation at the 17.3 g fertilizer rate. Mean heights for P. macrophyllus were greater for the inoculated than noninoculated plants and plants fertilized with one-half the recommended fertlizer rate (8.6 g) were ranked superior to noninoculated P. macrophyllus receiving the manufacturer's recommended rate (17.3 g). One year after plants were transplanted to a simulated landscape, P. macrophyllus and L. japonicum shoot dry weights were not different due to inoculation.