Mycorrhizal colonization, P uptake and yield of older and modern wheats under organic management

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are important for plant nutrient uptake, and mycorrhizal dependence varies between wheat genotypes. Cultivar selection under fertilized conditions may have reduced mycorrhizal associations in modern cultivars. This study investigated AMF colonization, tissue P and grain yield of five modern (post 1990) and five older (pre 1970) spring wheat cultivars over 4 site-years in Manitoba. Older cultivars actually had significantly lower AMF colonization and grain yield than modern cultivars, but no tissue P concentration differences were observed. The two highest yielding lines were released after 2004, and one of these (FBC Dylan) was selected for suitability in organic farming systems.