Source: NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
THE ROLE OF MYCORRHIZAL INOCULATION IN ALLEVIATING TRANSPLANT SHOCK OF SEEDLINGS DURING ESTABLISHMENT
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
MCINTIRE-STENNIS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0211819
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2007
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2013
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY
1620 STANDLEY DR ACADEMIC RESH A RM 110
LAS CRUCES,NM 88003-1239
Performing Department
Plant and Environmental Sciences
Non Technical Summary
In today's landscape environment, soils are virtually void of essential mycorrizal fungi and are generally lacking in essential nutrients. To successfully establish plants, beneficial mycorrhizal fungi often must be present. This project will investigate methods of improving outplanting performance of trees in semiarid environments, and how remedial innoculation can improve health of established trees in urban environments.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1230612110250%
1234020110250%
Knowledge Area
123 - Management and Sustainability of Forest Resources;

Subject Of Investigation
0612 - Conifer forests of the West; 4020 - Fungi;

Field Of Science
1102 - Mycology;
Goals / Objectives
The overall objective of this research is to determine methods to improve seedling survival and growth following outplanting through the reduction of transplant shock. The rationale for this approach is that an understanding of whole tree physiology will lead to more successful seedling establishment. The specific goals of the project are to: 1) Identify fungi with potential benefit to reforestation, afforestation and reclamation in arid and semi-arid environments, 2) Develop inoculation protocols for seedlings during production and after planting, 3) Determine plasticity of the root:shoot (R/S) ratio in response to nursery production environment, 4) Test the ability of mycorrhizal fungi to modify the R/S response, and 5) Test the response of this symbiosis to simulated lifting and transplanting.
Project Methods
Plant Material. The species used in this study will include both ectomycorrhizal (e.g., Pinus, Carya) and endomycorrhizal tree species (Populus, Juniperus) adapted or used in the southwest. Potentially important species include pines, oaks (Quercus), ash (Fraxinus), and pecan (Carya). Ash is the only endomycorrhizal species, while the others are ectomycorrhizal. Where possible, only half-sib seed or vegetatively propagated material will be used. Germination characteristics among half-sib families can result in growth rate differences in container production systems. These differences can mask or alter plant responses and possibly inoculation responses. Fungal Symbionts. This study will use the symbionts that have proven promising, viz. Pisolithus tinctorius, Hebeloma crustiliniforme, Laccaria laccata, and Cortinarius. Activities to identify promising isolates will continue, especially to isolate the local strain of Thelephora terrestris. Promising isolates will be screened for adaptability to inoculation programs in nursery situations. Furthermore, commercially available strains of both endo- and ecto-mycorrhizal fungi will be evaulated. Outplanting Trials. Outplanting response to inoculation will be conducted in a simulated drought environment for eldarica pine. Outplanting trials may also be conducted at Agriculture Science Centers in a simulated landscape environment, and on the Lincoln National Forest for certain pine species (e.g., Pinus ponderosa, Pseudotsuga menziesii).

Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Foresters, reforestation nursery managers, researchers, wastewater users, pecan researchers and orchard managers Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Training of professionals in 4 countries, including the US How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? training of professionals and publications

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: 184. Harrington, J.T., J.G. Mexal, A.M. Wagner, and T. Parsons. 2012. The state and challenges of conservation nurseries in Afghanistan, p. 59-64 In: Haase D.L., Pinto J.R., Riley L.E., technical coordinators. National Proceedings: Forest and Conservation Nursery Associations2011. Fort Collins (CO): USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. Proceedings RMRS-P-68. 59-64. Available at: http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs/rmrs_p068.html. 185. Mexal, J.G. 2012. Calidad de plantines: Atributos morfol�gicos (Determinants of seedling quality: Morphological attributes). p. 41-51. IN: Producci�n de plantas en viveros forestales / Maria Gabriela Buamscha ... [et.al.]; coordinado por Liliana T. Contardi... [et.al.]. - 1a ed. - Buenos Aires : Consejo Federal de Inversiones; Comodoro Rivadavia : Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco UNPSJB; Comodoro Rivadavia : Centro de Investigacion y Extension Forestal Andino Patagonico, Argentina, 2012. 220 p. ISBN 978-987-510-209-5. http://www.ciefap.org.ar/documentos/pub/Produc_plantas_viv.pdf 186. Mexal, J.G. 2012. Calidad de plantines: Atributos fisiol�gicos (Physiological attributes of seedling quality), p. 53-64. IN: Producci�n de plantas en viveros forestales / Maria Gabriela Buamscha ... [et.al.]; coordinado por Liliana T. Contardi... [et.al.]. - 1a ed. - Buenos Aires : Consejo Federal de Inversiones; Comodoro Rivadavia : Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco UNPSJB; Comodoro Rivadavia : Centro de Investigacion y Extension Forestal Andino Patagonico, Argentina, 2012. 220 p. ISBN 978-987-510-209-5. http://www.ciefap.org.ar/documentos/pub/Produc_plantas_viv.pdf 187. Mexal, J.G. and T.D. Landis. 2012. Nutrici�n (Cultural practices: Fundamentals of seedling nutrition), p. 101-113. IN: Producci�n de plantas en viveros forestales / Maria Gabriela Buamscha ... [et.al.] ; coordinado por Liliana T. Contardi... [et.al.]. - 1a ed. - Buenos Aires : Consejo Federal de Inversiones; Comodoro Rivadavia: Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco UNPSJB; Comodoro Rivadavia : Centro de Investigacion y Extension Forestal Andino Patagonico, Argentina, 2012. 220 p. ISBN 978-987-510-209-5. http://www.ciefap.org.ar/documentos/pub/Produc_plantas_viv.pdf 188. Sammis, T.W., M.K. Shukla, J.G. Mexal, J. Wang, D. Miller. 2013. Pecan research and outreach in New Mexico: Logic model development and change in communication paradigms. J. Higher Education Outreach and Engagement 17(1):27-42. 189. Deb, S.K., M.K. Shukla, P. Sharma, and J.G. Mexal. 2013. Soil water depletion in irrigated mature pecans under contrasting soil textures for arid Southern New Mexico. DOI: 10.1007/s00271-011-0293-1. Irrig Sci 31(1):69-85. 190. Deb, S.K., M.K. Shukla, J. `im?nek, and J.G. Mexal. 2013. Evaluation of spatial and temporal root water uptake patterns of a flood-irrigated pecan tree using the HYDRUS (2D/3D) model. J. Irrigation and Drainage Engineering 139:599-611. 191. Mexal, J.G. and E. Herrera. 2013. Cambio clim�tico y su impacto en la industria nogalera, p. 26-36. In: Memorias 17th Nogalero, Cd. Delicias, Chih., Mx. Sept.4-5, 2103. 192. Mexal, J.G. and E. Herrera. 2013. Pecan trees provide benefits far beyond nut production. Pecan South 46(9):38-46. 193. Mexal, J.G. and E. Herrera. 2013. Potential climate change impacts on pecans in the west. Pecan South 46 (11):17-27. 194. Picchioni, G.A., J.G. Mexal, and M.K. Shukla. 2014. Land application of treated industrial wastewater on a Chihuahuan Desert shrubland: water quality assessment, mineral deposition and recovery, and effects on the vegetation. New Mexico State University Agriculture Experiment Station Bull. 807, 44 p.


Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Water is a critical agricultural resource and effective use and reuse requires an understanding of crop requirements, climate and soil/medium characteristics. Novel irrigation scheduling protocols were developed for container-grown conifer seedlings which will improve irrigation efficiency and decrease greenhouse runoff. Long-term treatment of wastewater via a land application system has been evaluated. Both the vegetation and soil response were monitored and prescriptions for the slow-rate land application of wastewater to desert ecosystems developed. This is the first time this system has been documented in an arid environment. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Prescriptions for improved seedling survival and growth were developed for Pinus ponderosa forestation programs in Argentina. Prescriptions for managing irrigation scheduling of containerized conifer seedlings for reforestation were developed. Land application of partially treated wastewater can reduce contamination of surface waterways, while providing alternative crops for small landowners. Impact of 5 years of saline wastewater application to desert soils was determined.

Publications

  • Lombard, K., M. O'Neill, R. Heyduck, B. Onken, A. Ulery, J. Mexal, A. Unc. 2011. Composted biosolids as a source of iron for hybrid poplars (Populus sp.) grown in northwest New Mexico. Agroforest Syst. 81:45-56.
  • Khan Khalil, S., R. St. Hilaire, A. Khan, A. Rehman, J.G. Mexal. 2011. Growth and physiology of yarrow species Achillea millefolium cv. Cerise Queen and Achillea filipendulina cv. Parker Gold at optimum and limited moisture. Aust. J. Crop Sci. 5(13):1698-1706.
  • Mexal, J.G. and N. Khadduri. 2011. The role of plant water relations in achieving and maintaining the Target Seedling, p. 98-109. IN Riley LE, Haase DL, Pinto JR, technical coordinators. The Target Seedling Symposium. National Proceedings: Forest and Conservation Nursery Associations-2010. Proc. RMRS-P-65. Fort Collins, CO: USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station: 98-109. Available at: http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs/rmrs_p065.html
  • Sharma, P., M. K. Shukla, T. W. Sammis, R. L. Steiner, and J.G. Mexal. 2012. Nitrate-nitrogen leaching from three specialty crops of New Mexico under furrow irrigation system. Agricultural Water Management 109:71-80. doi:10.1016/j.agwat.2012.02.008
  • Deb, S.K, M.K. Shukla, and J.G. Mexal. 2012. Estimating midday leaf and stem water potentials of mature pecan trees from soil water content and climatic parameters. HortScience 47(7):907-916.
  • Adhikari, P., M.K. Shukla, and J.G. Mexal. 2012. Spatial variability of infiltration rate and sodium content of desert soils: implications for management of irrigation using treated wastewater. Transactions ASABE (55(5): 1711-1721.
  • Picchioni, G.A., J.G. Mexal, M.K. Shukla, A. Ruiz, M. Babcock, D.L. Daniel, and D.S. Rodriquez. 2012. Land application of treated industrial wastewater on a Chihuahuan desert shrubland: impacts on the natural vegetation. Arid Land Research and Management. 26(4):312-327.
  • Picchioni, G.A., M.K. Shukla, J.G. Mexal, M. Babcock, A. Ruiz, and T.W. Sammis. 2012. Land application of treated industrial wastewater on a Chihuahuan desert shrubland: implications on water quality and mineral deposition. Arid Land Research and Management 26(3):211-226.


Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Served as Interim Department for calendar year. No work completed on McIntire-Stennis project. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Temporary administrative duties limited progress on this project.

Publications

  • Deb S.K., M. K. Shukla, P. Sharma, and J. Mexal. 2011. Coupled liquid water, water vapor, and heat transport simulations in an unsaturated zone of a sandy loam field. Soil Science 176(8):1-12. DOI: 10.1097/SS.0b013e318221f132.
  • Deb, S. K., M. K. Shukla, and J. G. Mexal. 2011. Numerical modeling of water fluxes in the root zone of a mature pecan orchard. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J.75(5): doi:10.2136/sssaj2011-0086.
  • Sharma, P., M.K. Shukla, and J.G. Mexal. 2011. Spatial variability of soil properties in agricultural fields of southern New Mexico. Soil Sci. 176(6):288-302.
  • Adhikari P., M.K. Shukla, J.G. Mexal and P. Sharma. 2011. Assessment of the soil physical and chemical properties of desert soils irrigated with treated wastewater using principal component analysis. Soil Science, 176 (7):356-366 DOI: 10.1097/SS.0b013e31821f4a72.
  • Mendoza, G.O., M. K. Shukla, J.G. Mexal, D.M. VanLeeuwen and Y. Ikemura. 2011. Assessment of Properties of a Harkey Soil under Organic and Conventional Farming Systems. Comm. Soil Science Plant Anal. 42(15): 1791-1808. DOI: 10.1080/00103624.2011.587565
  • Khan Khalil, S., J. Mexal, A. Rehman, Amanullah, F. Muhammad, and A. Z. Khan. 2011. Foliar boron enhances leaf chlorosis and does not affect pecan production and nut quality. Journal of Plant Nutrition 34(12):1811-1819. DOI: 10.1080/01904167.2011.600408
  • Lombard, K., M. O'Neill, A. Ulery, J. Mexal, B. Onken, S. Forster-Cox, and T. Sammis 2011. Fly ash and composted biosolids as a source of Fe for hybrid poplar - a greenhouse study. J. Appl. Environ. Soil Sci. Vol. 2011:Article ID 475185, 11 pages. DOI:10.1155/2011/475185.
  • Deb, S.K., M.K. Shukla, P. Sharma, and J.G. Mexal. 2011. Soil water depletion in irrigated mature pecans under contrasting soil textures for arid Southern New Mexico. Irrig. Sci. DOI: 10.1007/s00271-011-0293-1.


Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Served as Interim Department for 2010 calendar year. No work completed on M-S project. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
1) Prescriptions for improved seedling survival and growth were developed for Pinus ponderosa forestation programs in Argentina. 2) Land application of partially treated wastewater can reduce contamination of surface waterways, while providing alternative crops for small landowners. Impact of 5 years of saline wastewater application to desert soils was determined. 3) Sophisticated irrigation scheduling using computer based climate data can improve conifer nursery seedling production while optimizing water use. Guidelines were presented in 2010.

Publications

  • Shukla, M.K., J.G. Mexal, G.A. Picchioni, T. Sammis, D. Daniel, P. Adhikari, and M. Babcock. 2010. Land application of industrial effluent on a Chihuahuan desert ecosystem: impact on soil physical and hydraulic properties. WRRI Technical Completion Report No. 351, 66p.
  • Khalil, S.K., J.G. Mexal, A. Rehman, A.Z. Khan, S. Wahab, M Zubair, I.H. Khalil, and F. Mohammad. 2010. Soybean mother plant exposure to temperature stress and its effect on germination under osmotic stress. Pak. J. Bot. 42(1): 213-225.
  • Lombard, K., M. O'Neill, R. Heyduck, B. Onken, A. Ulery, J. Mexal, A. Unc. 2011. Composted biosolids as a source of iron for hybrid poplars (Populus sp.) grown in northwest New Mexico. Agroforest Syst. 81:45-56.


Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: a.) Land application of wastewater from an industrial park can effectively be applied to native vegetation (mesquite and creosote) without adverse affects to either the vegetation or soil. Furthermore, there appears to be little movement of salts or nitrate-nitrogen below the rooting zone of the native mesquite and creosote. Salt accumulation in surface horizon may require additional leaching. b.) Identified critical causes of seedling mortality in reforestation programs in Central Mexico. Most of the mortality was anthropogenic in nature (fire, grazing, agriculture cultivation). Nevertheless, seedling quality was also important, and target seedling guidelines were developed for both Pinus sp. and Cupressus lendleyii. c.) Protected agriculture (hoophouses) is increasing in popularity in urban and peri-urban environments. Incorporating design, construction and use into Introductory Plant Science curriculum can provide students with background to develop agriculture enterprises. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Prescriptions for improved seedling survival and growth were developed for Pinus forestation programs in Latin America. Land application of partially treated wastewater can reduce contamination of surface waterways, while providing alternative crops for small landowners. Impact of 5 years of saline wastewater application to desert soils was determined. Sophisticated irrigation scheduling using computer based climate data can improve pecan crop yield while optimizing water use. However, growers are uncomfortable using computers. Consequently, a hand-held device was created and distributed to growers in New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico.

Publications

  • Sammis, T.W., M.K. Shukla, J.G. Mexal, P.W. Bosland, and L.A. Daugherty. 2009. Improving the Chile Industry of New Mexico through Industry, Agriculture Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Collaboration: A Case Study. J. Extension 47(1):1-7 http://www.joe.org/joe/2009february/. Mexal, J.G., R.A. Cuevas Rangel, and T.D. Landis. 2009. Reforestation success in central Mexico: Factors determining survival and early growth. Tree Planters' Notes 53(1):16-22.
  • Babcock, M., M.K. Shukla, G. Picchioni, J. Mexal, and D. Daniel. 2009. Chemical and Physical Properties of Chihuahuan Desert Soils Irrigated With Industrial Effluent. J. Arid Lands Res. Mgt. 23:47-66.
  • St. Hilaire, R., T.W. Sammis, and J.G. Mexal. 2009. Integrating hoop house construction and operation into an undergraduate general education class. HortTechnology 19:445-451. Lombard, K., M. O'Neill, J.G. Mexal, A. Ulery, B. Onken, G. Bettmann, and R. Heyduck. 2009. Can Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) values predict chlorophyll and total Fe in hybrid poplar Agrofor. Sys. Online First, February 15, 2009. DOI 10.1007/s10457-009-9214-1.


Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: a.) Land application of wastewater from an industrial park can effectively be applied to native vegetation (mesquite and creosote) without adverse affects to either the vegetation or soil. Furthermore, there appears to be little movement of salts or nitrate-nitrogen below the rooting zone of the native mesquite and creosote. Salt accumulation in surface horizon may require additional leaching. b.) Pecan growers frequently irrigate later than recommended or skip irrigations entirely. Growers lose 200-600 pounds of pecans/ac because of poor irrigation practices. Furthermore, growers are reluctant to use computer-based weather monitoring models to schedule irrigation. Consequently, a hand-held calculator was developed and tested. The device was distributed and field tested in growers fields in 2007. c.) Conducted shortcourse with personnel from US Forest Service and Universidad de Concepcion for nursery personnel in the Patagonia region of Argentina. Attended by 60 nursery personnel. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Prescriptions for improved seedling survival and growth were developed for Pinus ponderosa afforestation programs in Argentina. Land application of partially treated wastewater can reduce contamination of surface waterways, while providing alternative crops for small landowners. Impact of 5 years of saline wastewater application to desert soils was determined. Sophisticated irrigation scheduling using computer based climate data can improve pecan crop yield while optimizing water use. However, growers are uncomfortable using computers. Consequently, a hand-held device was created and distributed to growers in New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico.

Publications

  • Khan Khalil, S. R. St. Hilaire, M. O'Connell, and J.G. Mexal. 2008. Growth of Moonshine yarrow on a limited moisture budget. J. Environ. Hort. 26(2): 70-74. Heerema, R., J. Mexal and T. Sammis. 2008. Irrigation scheduling of pecan orchards: The water budget approach. NMSU Water Task Force Report 8, 4 p. Aldrete, A., J.G. Mexal, and K.E. Burr. 2008. Seedling cold hardiness, bud set and bud break of 9 provenances of Pinus greggii Engelm. For. Ecol. Mgt. 255:3672-3676.
  • Kallestad, J.C., T.W. Sammis, and J.G. Mexal. 2008. Extent and duration of gas-phase soil oxygen depletion in response to flood-irrigations in two pecan orchards. Applied Engineering in Agriculture 24(1):31-40.
  • Kallestad, J.C., J.G. Mexal, and T.W. Sammis. 2008. Mesilla Valley pecan orchard pruning residues: Biomass estimates and value-added opportunities. NMSU AES Res. Rep. 764, 22 p.
  • Kallestad, J.C., T.W. Sammis, and J.G. Mexal. 2008. An evaluation of two sensors for measuring gas-phase oxygen in flood-irrigated pecan orchard soils. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. J. 72(3):758-766.
  • Kallestad, J.C., J.G. Mexal, T.W. Sammis, and R. Heerema. 2008. Development of a simple irrigation scheduling calendar for Mesilla Valley pecan growers. HortTechnology 18(4):714-725.


Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07

Outputs
a) Land application of wastewater from an industrial park can effectively be applied to native vegetation (mesquite and creosote) without adverse affects to either the vegetation or soil. Furthermore, there appears to be little movement of salts or nitrate-nitrogen below the rooting zone of the native mesquite and creosote. Salt accumulation in surface horizon may require additional leaching. b) Pecan growers frequently irrigate later than recommended or skip irrigations entirely. Growers lose 200-600 pounds of pecans/ac because of poor irrigation practices. Furthermore, growers are reluctant to use computer-based weather monitoring models to schedule irrigation. Consequently, a hand-held calculator was developed and tested. The device was distributed and field tested in growers fields in 2007. c) Seedling quality criteria were evaluated for Pinus pinea grown in containers and tropical hardwood grown in bareroot nurseries or polybag nurseries. Larger seedlings with better developed root systems had greater survival and growth following outplanting.

Impacts
1) Prescriptions for improved seedling survival and growth were developed for dry temperate forests (Spain), and deciduous tropical forests (Mexico). 2) Land application of partially treated wastewater can reduce contamination of surface waterways, while providing alternative crops for small landowners. 3) Sophisticated irrigation scheduling using computer based climate data can improve pecan crop yield while optimizing water use. However, growers are uncomfortable using computers. Consequently, a hand-held device was created and distributed to growers in New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico in 2007.

Publications

  • Picchioni, G.A., J. Singh, J.G. Mexal, and R.M. Goss. 2007. Merging the roles of learning, research, and outreach in a nursery irrigation exercise. HortTechnology. 17(3):379-385.
  • Kallestad, J.C., T.W. Sammis, J.G. Mexal, and V. Gutschick. 2007.The impact of prolonged flood-irrigation on leaf gas exchange in mature pecans in an orchard setting. Intl. J. Plant Production. 2:163-178.