Growth of Atriplex canescens (Pursh) Nutt. Improved by Formation of Vesicular‐Arbuscular Mycorrhizae

Abstract

Abstract Fourwing saltbush [ Atriplex canescens (Pursh) Nutt.] roots were stained for detection of endomycorrhizal fungi by simmering in an acid fuchsin‐chloral hydrate solution. Naturally occurring endomycorrhizal fungi were observed in symbiotic association with the roots. Mycorrhizal fourwing saltbush grown in nonsterile soil had a greater dry weight and accumulated more phosphorus than nonmycorrhizal plants grown in sterile soil. Inoculation of fourwing saltbush with a known endomycorrhizal fungi, Endogone mosseae Nicol. and Gerd. tended to stimulate the plants to greater growth than uninoculated plants.