Date of Award:

5-2009

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Wildland Resources

Advisor/Chair:

Eugene W Schupp

Abstract

Mycorrhizae have been used in restoration for decades. However, studies assessing the use of mycorrhizae in Bromus tectorum-invaded areas of the Great Basin are limited. Two greenhouse pot experiments were conducted to assess the role of mycorrhizae in sagebrush restoration. The first objective (Chapter 2) was to determine the response of Pseudoroegneria spicatum, Elymus elymoides, and B. tectorum to mycorrhizal symbiosis by altering

phosphorus, density, species, presence of mycorrhizae and water levels in a 5 factor design. To assess the mycorrhizal response, a variety of morphological and physiological traits were measured, such as tissue P concentration, specific root length, specific leaf area, carbon isotope discrimination, etc. The effects of the different treatment combinations were analyzed using ANOVA. The second objective (Chapter 3) was to determine the role of different inocula in competition between the three grasses. Species, density, and inoculum type were altered in a 3 factor design. Inoculum was cultured on Allium plants. The effect of locally cultured inoculum on the species was compared to the effect of commercial inoculum. The response of each species to mycorrhizae with different species compositions and densities was assessed. Morphological measurements were used to determine each species response to the different factor combinations. The effects of the different treatment combinations were analyzed using ANOVA. This research provides land managers with information regarding the efficacy of using local versus commercial inocula and whether they should use mycorrhizae in restoring their systems.


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