Influence of Fertilization and Mycorrhizae on the Nutritional Status of Rhododendron (Rhododendron hybridum) in a Nursery

Abstract

Background: This study of the large-flowered azalea cv. ‘Anneke’ investigated the impact of two factors, i.e., methods of fertilization and mycorrhization, on the nutritional status of plants during three years of nursery cultivation. Methods: Single mineral fertilizers, a slow-release fertilizer Hortiform pH (SRF), and fertigation in combination with mycorrhization of plants, were applied. Plant roots were inoculated with fungi from the genera Oidiodendron and Hymenoscyphus sp. The nutritional status of the large-flowered azalea in the first three years of cultivation was assessed based on macroelements. Results: The analyses revealed significantly higher content of nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium in the leaves of plants inoculated with fungal mycelium. A beneficial effect of plant mycorrhization on plant nutritional status, i.e., higher levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, was noted in the second and third years of azalea cultivation. Conclusions: Significant amounts of the nutrients were utilized in the middle of the growing season and almost fully utilized after the season. Hence, the necessity to supplement nutrients in each subsequent year of plant vegetation was postulated. Fertigation was shown to require further improvement of the nutrient solution.

Role of mycorrhizas and root exudates in plant uptake of soil nutrients (calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium): has the puzzle been completely solved?

“…Experimental studies have demonstrated greater soil mobilization and plant content of Ca, K, Mg, and Fe when plants are associated with EM fungi (Ahonen‐Jonnarth et al., 2003; Artega‐Leon et al., 2018; Finlay, 1995; Jarosz et al., 2021; Jentschke et al., 2001; Jourand et al., 2014) and AM (Balsam et al., 2013; Caris et al., 1998; Chorianopoulou et al., 2015; Jarosz et al., 2021; Mardukhi et al., 2011; Prity et al., 2020; Zhang et al., 2015); however, the underlying mechanisms of these positive effects remain to be resolved.…”

Aplications of Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizes (Vam) and Trichoderma Sp

“…Perlakuan kombinasi umur pindah tanam 10 hari yang diaplikasikan Mikoriza vesikula arbuskula (MVA) dengan Trichoderma sp 200 g.tan -1 menunjukkan serapan Kalium terbaik dibandingkan dengan perlakuan kombinasi lainnya( Tabel 5). Mikoriza memberi pengaruh yang menguntungkan terhadap status nutrisi tanaman Rhododendron (Rhododendron hybridum), yaitu meningkatkan penyerapan Nitrogen, Fosfor, Kalium, Kalsium, dan Magnesium (Jarosz et al 2021). Simbiosis mikoriza arbuskular meningkatkan transfer K+ dari tanah ke tanaman (Garcia et al 2014).…”