The Effects of Mycorrhizal Fungi Inoculum and Soil Type on Sorghum bicolor and Sorghastrum nutans Based on Chlorophyll Content and Stem Diameter

Abstract

Premise of Study

            The purpose of this study was to analyze plant growth in the presence of commercial mycorrhizae in sterile and non-sterile (native) soil. The presence of mycorrhizae is relevant for crop producers world-wide. Mycorrhizae could help grow a stealthier and more abundant crop.

Methods

Fourty-eight plants were grown in cone-tainers for eight weeks. Half of the plants were Sorghum bicolor and the other twenty-four were Sorghastrum nutans. Each species was then divided into four separate groups: Sterile soil with commercial mycorrhizae, sterile soil without commercial mycorrhizae, non-sterile soil with commercial mycorrhizae, and non-sterile soil without commercial mycorrhizae. The plants were measure for three weeks for chlorophyll content and stem diameter. At the end of the eight weeks they were harvested and root and shoot biomass were weighed.

Key Results

Sterile soil had a significant effect on the stem diameter of Sorghum bicolor. It also had a significant effect on the chlorophyll content of Sorghastrum nutans. The overall biomass of both species of plants was increased in sterile soil.

Conclusion

There was no significant effect from mycorrhizae inoculum in any of the data gathered. This could be due to the type of commercial inoculum used or the species of plants used. Overall, the sterile soil had a positive effect on the plants.