The Influence of Endotrophic Mycorrhizae on the Growth of Peach Seedlings1

Peach seedlings had severe Zn-deficiency symptoms and grew poorly in pots of steamed Yolo loam with or without sand admixed. Growth was greatly improved in pots by inoculating with one of a number of Endogone (Phycomycetes) cultures, which formed vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae with the seedlings. Plants with inocula disinfested of associated field organisms by treatment with Chloramine Τ were larger than those with untreated spores. All 6 inocula tested were beneficial, although only 2 completely prevented appearance of Zn-deficiency symptoms. Peach seedlings grown with one of these two had foliar Zn levels 2-3 times those of the controls.