METHOD AND COMPOSITION FOR ENHANCEMENT OF MYCORRHIZAL DEVELOPMENT BY FOLIAR FERTILIZATION OF PLANTS

摘要

METHOD AND COMPOSITION FOR ENHANCEMENT OF MYCORRHIZAL DEVELOPMENT BY FOLIAR FERTILIZATION OF PLANTS of the Invention A method for enhancing the development of mycorrhizal infection in the root system of a plant. In the method, a quantity of nutrient mixture is applied to the outside surfaces of the foliage of a plant rooted in a growth medium containing propagules of a fungus capable of mycorrhizal infection of the roots. The nutrient mixture contains a source of nitrogen and a source of At least one other element selected from the group consisting of potassium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, boron, manganese, molybdenum and copper in an aqueous vehicle. Such application is repeated at intervals over a period of time during which the supply of nutrients by fertilization is predominantly through such foliar application. As a result, the sugar content of the roots of the plant is increased by comparison to that obtained by equivalent absorption through the roots of nutrients applied by fertilization of the growth medium. The development of mycorrhizae in the root system is thereby enhanced. Plant growth is ultimately promoted by the synergistic interaction of foliar fertilization and mycorrhizal development. Compositions for foliar fertilization are also disclosed.