Colonization of 'Sampion' apple tree roots and rhizosphere by mycorrhizal fungi following the application of AquaGel or organic compost enriched with beneficial microorganisms

Abstract

Apple trees of the cultivar 'Sampion' were planted at the Experimental Orchard of National Institute of Horticultural Research in Dąbrowice. In a three-year experiment (2019-2021) the following fertilization combinations were applied: AquaGel (commercial hydrogel), AquaGel combined with a consortium of beneficial bacteria, AquaGel combined with a consortium of beneficial filamentous fungi, organic compost alone, compost combined with a consortium of beneficial bacteria, and compost combined with a consortium of beneficial filamentous fungi. The presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi was assessed both in the rhizosphere soil and in the roots of apple trees. The results of the study indicate the most advantageous effect of compost combined with bacteria or fungi on the degree of root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and the formation of their spores in the soil.

Keywords

• fertilization
• mycorrhizal frequency
• soil
• spores
• beneficial bacteria
• beneficial fungi