EFFECT OF MYCORRHIZA INOCULATION ON BIOMASS AND CHLOROPHYLL CONTENT

Abstract

This study researched the relationship of mycorrhiza inoculum and two plant species, Desmanthus illinoensis (Di) and Monarda fistulosa (Mf) respectively. The relationship was measured using chlorophyll content as well as final above and below ground biomass. We used unsterilized soil as well as sterilized soil and added inoculum to half of the plants studied while the other half were not treated with inoculum. Each treatment was repeated six times. We made weekly measurements on the chlorophyll content throughout the study and measured the above and below ground dry biomass the final week. We found that the soil treatment produced more significant results than the presence or absence of inoculum in Di and Mf species. This was shown in the measurements of chlorophyll content measured and analyzed using ANOVA analysis to determine whether or not unsterilized soil had a larger content than non-sterilized soil. Since chlorophyll content was unaffected by inoculum treatment, it appears the presence of the fungi does not hinder or aid the plant in photosynthesis. Inoculation only effected belowground biomass, as the fungi contributes its own weight to the roots of both species. The sterilization treatment of the soil did yield positive results for all variables presumably due to the fact that sterilization exterminates all parasitic organisms, therefore eliminating any competing elements and allowing the plants to develop substantially/produce nutrients through photosynthesis.