Effects of Mycorrhizal Fungi, Biostimulants and Water Absorbing Polymers on the Growth and Survival of Four Landscape Plant Species

Abstract

The addition of commercial mycorrhizal, transplant gel and/or biostimulant products to the root balls or backfill soil of Japanese holly, ( Ilex crenata Thunb. ‘Green Luster’); arborvitae, ( Thuja occidentalis L. ‘Emerald Green’); Japanese spirea, ( Spiraea japonica L.f. ‘Shibori’); Bradford Callery pear, ( Pyrus calleryana Decne. ‘Cleveland Select’ and ‘Redspire’) at the time of planting did not lead to significant improvement of plant growth or transplant survival compared to untreated plants receiving routine mulching with pine bark mulch alone.