Growth and nutrient concentration of two native forage legumes inoculated with Rhizobium and Mycorrhiza in Missouri, USA

Abstract

The Center for Agroforestry at the University of Missouri has tested numerous native legumes for potential use in agroforestry and selected Illinois bundleflower ͑Desmanthus illinoensis ͑Michaux͒ MacMillan ex Robinson and Fern.͒ and panicled tick clover ͑Desmodium paniculatum ͑L.͒ DC.͒ for further testing. Our objective was to document the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizae ͑AM͒ ͑Glomus spp.͒ and Rhizobium on growth and nutrient concentration of these legumes. Seeds were planted in a greenhouse and inoculated with one of two species of AM and/or one of two strains of Rhizobium. Plants were harvested after 80 d and data taken on leaf and stem dry weight, root fresh weight, stem height, nodulation, AM colonization, and N, P, K, Ca, and Mg concentration. Inoculation with Rhizobium did not affect plant growth in Illinois bundleflower, but colonization by Glomus intraradices increased all plant growth variables except stem height. Nutrient concentration was unaffected by the presence of either endophyte. In contrast, inoculation of panicled tick clover with Rhizobium str. 41Z10 increased leaf dry weight ͑32%͒ compared to the control and root fresh weight ͑41%͒ compared to str. 32Z3, and colonization by G. intraradices increased leaf dry weight ͑35%͒ and stem height ͑26%͒. Both species of AM increased P and K concentration ͑41% and 55%, respectively͒ in panicled tick clover. Our results suggest that the growth of these legumes can be improved by the use of proper AM species and/or Rhizobium strains. However, additional research to identify the best Rhizobium and AM inoculates for these plant species is important in developing strategies for their use in agroforestry.

Single or dual inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobia regulates plant growth and nitrogen acquisition in white clover

“…This result indicated the synergistic effect between AMF and Rh on the symbiotic association of white clover. AMF has no strict compatibility with host plants, whereas the symbiotic system of legume-AMF-Rh has obviously mutual selectivity (Shockley et al 2004). The positive Plant, Soil and Environment, 66, 2020 (6) (Maillet et al 2011).…”

Sensitivity to AMF species is greater in late‐successional than early‐successional native or nonnative grassland plants

“…Total biomass (roots + shoots) was used as a measure of plant growth response to AM fungi in most of the studies but in one study, total biomass was calculated as the sum of leaf dry mass (g), stem dry mass (g), and root fresh mass (g) (Shockley et al. ). When data for more than one experiment were presented in the same paper (e.g., Klironomos ), the experiments were analyzed separately (i.e., considered independent) in the meta‐analysis (Data ).…”

The Effect of Mycorrhiza Growth and Expression of Some Genes in Barley

“…The increase of the availability of elements specially, calcium which plays the main role in cell signaling which could lead to switch on or accelerate the function of several genes such as protein kinases and other genes related with photosynthesis and eventially, affect the plant growth. Inoculation with mycorrhiza increased all plant growth variables such as number of leaves, stem fresh and dry weights and root dry weight Shockley et al (2004). Gahoonia and Nielsen (2004) reported that the inoculation with mycorrhiza enhanced the release of organic acids and higher acid phosphatase activity in the rhizosphere which may be useful for increasing phosphorus acquisition from inorganic and organic phosphorus pools to the plant.…”