VESICULAR-ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAE COLONIZATION OF REDWOOD AND INCENSE CEDAR SEEDLINGS FOLLOWING STORAGE

Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculum consisting of a mixture of r oots of coast redwood [Sequoia sempervirens (D. Don)], soil, and spore s of Glomus mosseae (Nicol. and Gerd.) Gerdemann and Trappe was tested for viability and efficacy following storage for 4 or 8 weeks at 4, 9 , 15, or 24C and moisture contents of 0%, 6%, 12%, or 17%. Storage reg imes did not have any effect on the number of spores of Glomus mosseae recovered after storage. However, germinability of the spores decreas ed from 35% before storage to 10% to 31% during storage, especially un der typical ambient room conditions (17% moisture at 24C). Maximum col onization of coast redwood, sierra redwood [Sequoiadendrom giganteum ( Lindl.) Buchh.],and incense cedar (Libocedrous decurrens Torr.) was ac hieved after inoculation with 1 inoculum : 1 potting mix dilution (whv ). However, plant fresh weight was highest following inoculation with a 1 inoculum : 5 potting mix dilution (w/w). Dried inoculum was effect ive when stored at 24C, or below 10C when moist.