Mycorrhizal status of sand-based cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) bogs in southern Oregon

摘要

Ericoid mycorrhizal fungi (EMF) form symbiotic relationships with cranberry plants providing increased access to nutrients from fertilizers and soil. We conducted a survey assessing the mycorrhizal status of cranberry from bogs grown under conventional and organic production practices and ranging in age from two to thirty-eight years. Root colonization by EMF increased with bog age regardless of production practices. Root colonization on plants from bogs less than 10 years old was 7.5 percent, 10 to12 years old was 28 percent, 15 to 21 years old was 70 percent, and 32-38 years old was 90 percent. In contrast, root colonization of other ericaceous plants growing adjacent to bogs all had colonization levels greater than 90 percent. The low level ofEMF colonization of cranberry in young bogs may be related to fertilizer use in both organic and conventional production systems.