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The Effects Of Ericoid Inoculum Source And Nutrient Addition On Growth And Reproduction In Highbush Blueberry, Ilana Williams

Graduate College Dissertations and Theses

Ericoid mycorrhizal fungi (EMF) form symbiotic relationships with ericaceous plants such as Vaccinium corymbosum, or highbush blueberry and assist in nutrient acquisition. EMF help plants thrive in stressful environments by increasing the area in which roots can uptake water and nutrients. In plant-mycorrhizal symbioses, nutrient uptake may depend on the identity of the fungal partner. Therefore, differently sourced mycorrhizal fungi could show differences in nutrient uptake ability. Here, I hypothesized that inoculation of V. corymbosum with EMF would enhance plant growth and investment in reproduction, and that effect would be more pronounced for plants in low nutrient conditions. I also …