Growth and Endomycorrhizal Development of Broadleaf Seedlings in Fumigated Nursery Soil

Abstract

A test with four fumigants (98 and 67 percent methyl bromide-MB, Mylone 50-D, and Vorlex) each at two rates and one soil fungicide (Terraclor 75 percent WP) at one rate was conducted at Lincoln-Oakes Nurseries, Bismarck, N.D., to determine effects on seedling growth and development of endomycorrhizae on Lonicera tatarica, Elaeagnus angustifolia, Shepherdia argentea, and Fraxinus pennsylvanica. MB fumigation resulted in erratic seedling growth and a significant decrease in production of plantable seedlings (18 percent) over that obtained from nontreated soil. Erratic seedling growth in the first year was related to a reduction in endomycorrhizal development. Seedlings from soil fumigated with 98 percent MB at 280 and 392 kg/ha, and with 67 percent MB at 541 kg/ha had lower occurrence and density of endomycorrhizae, lower percent endomycorrhizae with vesicles and arbuscules, and lower number of vesicles per cm endomycorrhizae than seedlings from nontreated soil. Forest Sci. 26:403–413.