Bibliography: leaves 172-197. / xvii, 197 leaves : ill. (chiefly col.) ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Soil and Water, 2002?

Most tomato cultivars used for commercial food production are imported into South Africa. Optimal growing conditions for these specific cultivars need to be determined, as wrong cultivar choices can lead to great financial losses. Lack of information on selecting well-performing cultivars may lead to lower yield or unacceptable fruit quality. Information on the performance of tomato cultivars under South African conditions, utilizing plastic tunnels or shadenet structures under soilless cultivation is still very limited. Soilless cultivation of vegetables is becoming a preferable over in-soil cultivation due to the improved yield and quality of produce, efficient water and nutrients usage by the crop; furthermore, the grower can regulate nutrient solution, electrical conductivity and pH of the nutrient solution. To identify the optimal system for growing tomatoes hydroponically, the performance of four tomato cultivars (‘FA593’, ‘Miramar’, ‘FiveOFive’ and ‘Malory’) under different growing conditions was evaluated: directly planted in soil under 40% shadenet with drip irrigation, a closed hydroponic system under 40% shadenet, an open bag system under 40% shadenet, or an open-bag system in a temperature controlled as well as a non-temperature controlled tunnel. The study revealed that ‘Miramar’ performed better than the other cultivars in all production systems, with the exception of soil cultivation where there were no differences amongst the four cultivars. Fruit cracking was found to be directly correlated with fruit size, as the large-sized cultivars ‘Malory’ and ‘FA593’ were more susceptible than the other two cultivars. Plants grown under shadenet were prone to fruit cracking and raincheck as well as early blight. Higher yields were obtained when plants were produced in the open bag system under temperature controlled conditions and in the closed system under shadenet. Growing tomatoes in the non-temperature controlled tunnel resulted in high incidences of fruit cracking, poor yield and pre-mature fruit ripening probably due to high and fluctuating temperatures under such conditions. The average marketable yield was 88% and 59% of the total yield in the temperature controlled and non-temperature controlled tunnels, respectively. A further experiment was carried out to improve yield and quality of tunnel tomatoes using beneficial micro-organisms, i.e., arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) at different nutrient concentrations. Tomato seedlings were treated with Mycoroot™ containing four mycorrhiza species (Glomus etunicatum, Paraglomus occultum, Glomus clarum and Glomus mossea) at transplanting and subsequently transferred to either a temperature controlled or a non-temperature controlled tunnel under the recommended (100%) or reduced (75 and 50%) nutrient concentrations. Sawdust was used as a growing medium in this experiment. Application of AMF neither enhanced plant growth, yield, nor fruit mineral nutrient concentrations; although fruit Mn and Zn concentrations in the temperature controlled tunnel increased significantly following AMF application. Plants grown in the non-temperature controlled tunnel had significantly poorer plant growth, and lower yield and lower fruit mineral concentrations, compared with fruit from plants in the temperature controlled tunnel. Tomato plants in the non-temperature controlled tunnel had higher levels of micro-elements in leaf tissue, compared with those in the temperature controlled tunnel. The highest yields were obtained from plants fertigated with 75% of the recommended nutrient concentration, as compared with the 100 and 50% nutrient concentrations. When coir was subsequently used as the growing medium, Mycoroot™ applied at seeding and transplanting did not enhance mycorrhizal colonization or fruit quality. Growing tomatoes under reduced nutrient supply reduced the total soluble solids in the juice of the fruit, but improved total and marketable yield, as well as the number of marketable fruit. This effect was more substantial in the temperature controlled than in the non-temperature controlled tunnel. Fruit firmness and leaf chlorophyll concentrations were significantly higher in plants grown in the temperature controlled tunnel. Growing tomatoes in sawdust improved the leaf Mn and Ca concentration over that of tomato plants grown in coir. Mycorrhizal colonisation did not have a beneficial effect on tomato yield and quality. The study indicated that cultivar selection was important in obtaining the highest yield and quality of tomato using the closed hydroponic system under shadenet and the open bag hydroponic system in the temperature controlled tunnel. Temperature controlled tunnels with a pad–and-fan cooling system are still an effective way of cooling the tunnel environment which resulted in high yield and high quality of tomatoes with a higher fruit mineral content than that obtained under non-temperature controlled conditions where only natural ventilation is relied on. Results also demonstrated that mycorrhizal colonization in soilless condition has limited beneficial effects in allowing for better nutrient uptake and thereby for improved yield and quality of tomatoes. Further studies, including different media, nutrient composition and concentrations, need to be carried out to investigate the possible causes of AMF failure to improve yield, despite good AMF root colonization. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2013.

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is a perennial crop well suited to grow in Quebec. Despite high demand for this crop, asparagus production is declining because of asparagus root rot disease that is caused by Fusarium spp. Phosphorus is one of the most important nutrients for the production of healthy asparagus roots that may resist infection by Fusarium. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of phosphorus (P) applications on asparagus yield and soil microbial parameters. Plots receiving 0 to 200% of the P recommendation, based on the Centre de reference en agriculture et agroalimentaire du Quebec (CRAAQ) guidelines, did not differ significantly (p < 0.05) in first year yield or plant tissue concentrations. However, asparagus receiving no fertilizer had 2 to 3 times higher arbuscular mycorrhizal colonisation of roots than other treatments in May 2003. Fresh marketable yield was negatively correlated to Fusarium incidence (p = 0.0091 r = -0.51) suggesting that plants with higher yields are less susceptible to Fusarium symptoms and that producers should avoid over-harvesting low yielding plants to reduce Fusarium spread in the field. Soil microbial activity was not affected consistently by P fertilizers because of high variability in the field.

Fundamental processes underpinning the biotransformation of coal by fungal biocatalysts have been intensively investigated, however, limited large-scale industrial applications using such systems have been reported. The un-anticipated sporadic growth of Cynodon dactylon on the surface of un-rehabilitated discard coal dumps has been noted and this was found to be coupled with the breakdown of coal into a humic soil-like material in the top 1.5 metres of the dumps. Extensive fungal growth was observed to be associated with the Cynodon dactylon root system and examination of plant roots indicated the presence of mycorrhizal fungi. Analysis of the Cynodon dactylon plant roots around which coal biotransformation was occurring confirmed the presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal colonisation with the species Glomus clarum, Paraglomus occultum, Gigaspora gigantea and Glomus mosseae identified to be associated with the plants. Further molecular characterisation of non-mycorrhizal rhizospheric fungi showed the presence of fungal species with coal-degrading capabilities that most likely played a role in the coal biotransformation observed. The discard coal dump environment was simulated in pot and column studies and coal biotransformation was reproduced, with this process enhanced by the addition of mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal rhizospheric fungal inocula to the environment. Mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal species in the inoculum were re-isolated from the simulated environment fulfilling a number of Koch’s postulates and indicating a causal role in the biotransformation of coal. An inversion of conventional mycorrhizal colonisation was demonstrated in this system with reduction in extraradicular presence and an increase in intracellular colonisation compared to soil controls. A descriptive model was formulated suggesting a two-part fungal system involving organic carbon and nutrient exchange between the plant, mycorrhizal fungi and non-mycorrhizal coal-degrading rhizospheric fungi ultimately resulting in the biotransformation of coal. The biotransformation observed was comparable to reports of “rock-eating fungi”. Results suggest that the biological degradation of coal in situ with the production of a soil-like substrate could provide a feasible method of discard coal dump rehabilitation as well as provide a humic-rich substrate that can be utilised in further industrial applications.

Soybeans (Glycine max L. Merr.) are a symbiont of two beneficial associations: biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) with Bradyrhizobium japonicum, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Within the Northern Great Plains of the USA, iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) of soybean is a yield-limiting factor. The effects of IDC on BNF and AMF are not well defined. This study was conducted to determine the effects of IDC on BNF and AMF. A laboratory study was performed to compare three methods of measuring ureide-N, a product of BNF in soybeans. Field studies in soybean were performed at three locations at eastern N011h Dakota. The experimental design was a factorial combination of three cultivars and three treatments. The three cultivars, in order of decreasing chlorosis susceptibility, were NuTech NT-0886, Roughrider Genetics RG 607, and Syngenta S01-C9 RR. The three treatments were control, Sorghum bicolor L. companion crop planted with the soybean seed, and FeEDDHA applied with the soybean seed. Chlorosis severity was the greatest and least for the NuTech and Syngenta cultivars, respectively. The FeEDDHA treatment decreased chlorosis severity. Ureide levels were abnormally high in plants severely stunted by JDC. The excess accumulation of ureides in IDC-stunted plants suggests that plant growth was reduced more than the rate of nitrogen fixation. The AMF population \vas at an adequate level at all locations and not affected by cultivar or treatment, in general. In the laboratory study, the Patterson et al. method had greater ureide concentrations due to the non-specific measuring of ammonium compounds compared to the Vogels and Van der Drift and Goos methods. / North Dakota Soybean Council

Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Science, School of Botany, 1991 / The vegetation of the Nylsvley Nature Reserve situated in the Northern Transvaal, South Africa. is a semi·arid savanna dominated by Burkea qfricana and Eragrostis paUensf interspersed with patches of Acacia s_pp.and E, ie/t(lnumni(.ma. The Butkea savanna is established on soil which is naturally low in phosphorus while the A,,;acia savanna is established on soU with higber phosphorus levels. Spnres of vesictdar~arbusculat mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi Were extracted from soil samples by wet 8i:¢ving and sucrose ("mttifugation after which they.· were enumerated .and identified. Thirteen VAM species were isolated from the savanna regions. The population was composed of three Gloltlus spp .• four .4cQulosp()ra spp., one .Gigaspora sp., three Scutel!ispora spp. and tWQ species of uncertain identity. Root samples were cleated. and stained with acidic glycerol·tcypan blue and assessed for mycoufMal colonization. Significant positive correlations were indicated. between spore densities ar.d mycorrhizal root infection. The total 81)01:'e popUlation was negntively correlated wiUlavailuble P, organic C, K. Ca. Mg, and pH. ~'tldividual specles differed markedly from the population as a whole in their bltemctions with.,soil facrots, these wem. examined using linear regressions. The VA;M root colonization as assessed b)! the mycorrhizal % WassigIlfijcant!y negativr1v: (forrelated with P white. the frequency % was. negatively correlated. Wilh P and K. .The inter-relatidhs!;tips 'between the d.ifferentVA1\i ,species and enviro~~eiita1 factors were further explored using prinCipal com'ponent ana,lyt;ls. the population structure and the factors affecting the population ate discussed. ..bltemctions with.,soil facrots, these wem. examined using linear regressions. The VA;M root colonization as assessed b)! the mycorrhizal % WassigIlfijcant!y negativr1v: (forrelated with P white. the frequency % was. negatively correlated. Wilh P and K. .The inter-relatidhs!;tips 'between the d.ifferentVA1\i ,species and enviro~~eiita1 factors were further explored using prinCipal com'ponent ana,lyt;ls. the population structure and the factors affecting the population ate discussed. / MN (2017)

No description available.

Thesis (MSc (Botany and Zoology)--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / Parts of the West Coast Strandveld and adjacent Succulent Karoo on the arid coast of Namakwaland in the Western Cape of South Africa are subject to surface mining. An understanding of mycorrhizal association of plants in the natural vegetation of this area could contribute to the improvement of post-mining re-vegetation of the area. This study investigated mycorrhizal association of plants in the West Coast Strandveld, and compared mycorrhizal infection rates of soils taken from natural vegetation to soils from post-mined rehabilitated vegetations. The study was divided into two components. In the first component a pot experiment was conducted in the greenhouse to assess vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) infectivity of post-mined rehabilitated areas of Brand se Baai in Namakwa Sands mining areas. Rehabilitated areas used in this study included sites that has been strip mined for heavy minerals and then progressively backfilled with sub-soil sand remaining after mineral extraction (tailings), topsoil and translocated plants in an effort to restore the structure and functional aspects of the mined site to its original (pre-mining) ecosystem. Rehabilitated sites 1 assessed in this study included sites backfilled with: tailings + translocated plants (TP); tailing + topsoil + translocated plants (TSP) and tailings + topsoil only (TS). Natural sites (N) were also assessed to serve as reference points. AM infection was evaluated as percent root colonization on wheat planted as bioassay on sterilised sand and inoculum from rehabilitated sites in the ratio of 3:1 respectively. Results of this study component showed that mycorrhiza infectivity of rehabilitated soils was high on TSP and TS because mining disturbance has been remedied by topsoil with or without translocated plant replacement. The structural and chemical components of topsoil used as rehabilitation material favoured re-establishment of microbial activities. Infectivity was however low on soils rehabilitated with tailings and translocated plants (TP) because this treatment lacked topsoil which is a major source of infective mycorrhizal propagules. Infectivity was also low in soils from undisturbed sites (N) probably high phosphorus concentration or presence of perennial vegetation led to low mycorrhiza infection. Results showed that there was no significant effect of mycorrhiza on plant growth rate, nutrient uptake or carbon cost of mycorrhizal plants when related to non-mycorrhizal plants, instead the biomass production and nutrient contents of plants were determined by chemical properties of treatment soils. The second component of the study investigated presence of mycorrhiza on randomly selected common indigenous species of Aizoaceae, Asparagaceae, Asteraceae, Chenopodiaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Mesembryanthemaceae, Restionaceae, families growing on unmined areas of the study site. Total mycorrhiza infection was recorded on 85% of the assessed species with percent infection level ranging from 8% in Atriplex lindleyi and Drosanthemum hispidum to 98% in Salvia lanceolata. Functional mycorrhizal association with arbuscule structures were however only observed on 15% of all species assessed. Low arbuscules infection observed in indigenous species assessed in this study could be associated with the timing of mycorrhiza infection assessment and root competition in the soil. There was no infection observed on four species belonging to Chenopodiaceae, Zygophyllaceae, Sterculiaceae, and Asteraceae families, which represented 15% of all species assessed. Most species belonging to Chenopodiaceae and Zygophyllaceae have been reported as non-mycorrhizal in other studies, absence of mycorrhiza on the remaining three families species observed in this study require further confirmation.

The broad aim of the work described in this thesis was to use the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) defective rmc tomato to explore the development and function of different types of fungus-plant interfaces (phenotypes) and to characterize the cellular modifications preceding colonization of rmc by a range of different AM fungi. Three main patterns of colonization with rmc have been described: 1) Pen- phenotype in which the AM fungus is restricted to the root surface with several attempts to penetrate the epidermal cells without success; 2) Coiphenotype where AM fungi penetrate the epidermis but cannot develop cortical colonization; and 3) Myc+ phenotype (with G. intraradices WFVAM23), where the AM fungus penetrates the cortex and forms a “normal” colonization after a delayed penetration of the epidermal cells (Review of literature). Little is known about cellular interactions, nutrient transfer or the ability of the fungi to complete their life cycles in the different phenotypes. These aspects were the main foci of this work. In addition further fungal isolates were screened to asses their ability to colonize rmc. The first experiments involved compartmented pots to follow the fungal life cycle, production of external mycelium and spores in the different rmc phenotypes (Chapter 3). The results showed that in the Pen- and Coiphenotypes, AM fungi are unable to form spores to complete the life cycle. However, in the Coi-phenotype, the fungus remained alive up to week 18, suggesting that some C transfer occurred. The fungus forming the Myc+ phenotype, G. intraradices WFVAM23, was able to produce spores, although they were significantly smaller than those produced with the wild-type tomato. The results suggested that arbuscules are essential for completion of the fungal life cycle. Labeled 32P was used to determine whether arbuscules are also essential for P transfer (Chapter 4). A compartmented pot system was used in which only fungal hyphae but not roots could obtain 32P. 32P was found in the shoots of rmc inoculated with S. calospora (Coi- phenotype), indicating that interfaces other than arbuscules can be involved in transfer of P. A nurse pot system was used to obtain synchronized colonization to determine how long AM fungi stay alive during the interactions with rmc and to elucidate the cellular modifications preceding colonization of rmc by a range of different AM fungi (Chapter 5). The results showed that rmc did attract the AM fungi, that the plant nucleus moved to the middle of the plant cell only after fungal penetration of plant roots and that callose deposition in rmc was not involved in blocking the AM fungi. Fourteen AM fungi with different taxonomic affiliations and fourteen different G. intraradices isolates were screened to try to relate phylogeny of AM fungi with phenotypes in rmc (Chapter 6). There were a large number of interactions, depending on the inoculated AM fungi, and although there were some similarities in the rmc phenotypes within phylogenetic groups, there was no clear relationship between phylogeny and development of interactions with rmc. This study showed the following. 1) Arbuscules/arbusculate coils are necessary for the completion of the AM fungal cycle. However, intraradical hyphae also participate in transfer of both P and C as demonstrated with the Coi- phenotype. 2) rmc clearly attracted AM fungi and the fungi stay alive and induce plant cellular responses such as nuclear movement only after penetrating rmc roots. 3) Plant defense responses such as callose deposition are not involved in blocking AM fungi in rmc; and 4) there was no relationship between the phenotypes described in rmc and phylogeny of the Glomeromycota. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1292816 / Thesis(Ph.D.)-- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2007.

The work in this thesis aimed to demonstrate the contribution of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi to the yield and fruit quality of field-grown processing tomatoes, and the potential to increase the sustainability of tomato production through greater fertiliser use efficiency by inoculating tomato seedlings with beneficial AM fungi. Previously, the conclusion that tomato growth is unresponsive to AM colonisation, particularly in high-P soils, has often been based on only a part of the tomato life-cycle. However, there is increasing evidence that that positive AM yield responses can occur in soils with relatively high plant-available P, and that AM responsiveness of tomato during vegetative growth may be a poor predictor of reproductive growth. A preceding industry study found that AM colonisation of field-grown processing tomatoes was very low, mostly less than 5%. The reason for the low colonisation was unclear since previous studies have shown that tomato can become relatively highly colonised by AM fungi. It was not known if farm practices, such as soil cultivation and chemical sterilisation, which have been shown to decrease AM colonisation of tomato and other crops, could have contributed to the low colonisation. Furthermore, it was unclear what contribution AM fungi were making to the yield and fruit quality of tomato in commercial production, and what their potential contribution might be if greater AM colonisation could be achieved through inoculating seedlings. Yield and fruit quality are important to tomato growers as both are used to calculate payment when the fruits are sold. Large amounts of soluble fertilisers, particularly P, are applied during tomato production with the aim of increasing yield and quality. However, fertiliser use efficiency, particularly P, on tomato farms has been identified as being low, and needing to be improved in order to increase the economic and environmental sustainability of tomato farming. Increasing P, and also other nutrients, such as Zn and Ca, in tomatoes could also help to improve agricultural sustainability by alleviating human malnutrition in developing countries and, in the case of Ca, have the potential to reduce blossom end rot, which can severely reduce marketable yield. There is considerable potential for AM fungi to assist in the supply of these nutrients to field-grown tomatoes. AM fungi are widely accepted to increase plant uptake of P. This has mostly been demonstrated in low-P soils, as increases in plant-available P are generally known to be detrimental to AM colonisation and any subsequent growth effects. However, there is increasing evidence of the ability of AM fungi to increase P uptake and yield even in high P soils. There is also good evidence of increased Zn uptake by mycorrhizal supply to plants. Evidence for increased Ca uptake in mycorrhizal plants is in comparison limited and conflicting, but has been demonstrated in some cases. It is possible that AM fungi could allow applications of these nutrients, particularly P, to be reduced while maintaining or increasing fruit yield and quality. However, the ability of indigenous or inoculated AM fungi to do so in the relatively high-P farm soils used in this project was unknown. In order to address these uncertainties a series of pot studies and a field experiment were conducted using field soils from tomato farms and an adjacent nature reserve for comparison. Data on soil characteristics from five farms, collected during the previous industry study, was analysed in conjunction with data from another farm located nearby with contrasting soil properties. Two farm soils and an unfarmed comparison were selected on the basis of their having contrasting levels of P, Zn and Ca, and pH, with the constraint that they were located within 50 km of each other to minimise travel time in the study area. The two farmed soils had a relatively high concentration of plant-available P (103 and 58 mg/kg Colwell), while plant-available P in the unfarmed soil was probably marginal to that required for healthy tomato growth (27 mg/kg Colwell). Samples of the soils were taken soon after commencement of the work and used in pot studies. Firstly, a bioassay was conducted to establish the ability of tomato to become colonised in the three field soils. AM colonisation of tomato and medic, which is known to be highly susceptible to AM colonisation, was compared between three harvests over an approx. 16 week period. Vegetative growth was also measured. The total colonisation of tomato mostly did not differ from that of medic at each harvest in any soil. Furthermore, despite the large differences in plant-available P between the three soils, colonisation and vegetative growth of tomato did not differ between soils at any harvest. In a subsequent pot experiment, the effect of colonisation by AM fungi in the three field soils on the vegetative and reproductive growth, and nutrient status of tomato was determined using the tomato mutant rmc (reduced mycorrhizal colonisation) and its progenitor 76R. A number of non-destructive vegetative and reproductive growth measurements were repeatedly measured over an approx. 24 week period. Destructive measurements were carried out at two harvests, 39 and 164 days after planting. Tomato 76R was again well colonised in all soils. Tomato rmc remained uncolonised, and was therefore an effective non-mycorrhizal control. AM colonisation had little effect on plant growth or nutrient status in any soil at the first harvest, but significant growth and nutrient responses were recorded at the second harvest. In particular, AM colonisation markedly increased vegetative growth in the unfarmed soil. AM colonisation did not affect vegetative growth in either of the farmed soils. However, AM colonisation increased reproductive growth, particularly yield over time, in all soils. AM colonisation increased shoot P concentration and content, but effects on Zn were mixed and largely inconclusive. Shoot Ca concentration and content were mostly reduced by AM colonisation. Similar patterns were observed in fruit nutrient status. The potential of pre-inoculation with AM fungi to increase AM colonisation and/or AM growth and nutrient effects in the field was considered. A commercial AM fungal inoculum was initially proposed for use, but was found to be unreliable and laboratory cultures of Scutellospora calospora and Glomus mosseae were used instead. Tomato seedlings were inoculated by amending a commercial seed-raising medium with an equal mixture of S. calospora and G. mosseae inocula. Seeds of tomato rmc, 76R and the commercial processing tomato cultivar U941 were sown and raised according to the practices followed by a commercial seedling nursery. After 9 weeks a sub-sample of inoculated seedlings of 76R and U941 had become colonised by both AM fungi, although the total colonisation was relatively low (approx. 10%). There was no difference in the shoot or root dry weights between inoculated and non-inoculated seedlings. The remaining seedlings were then used in the field experiment. Seedlings were transplanted amongst a commercial processing tomato crop on two farms and grown to maturity. A substitute farm with soil of moderate P (66 mg/kg Colwell) was used as tomatoes were no longer being grown on the initial farm with moderate P. Two P treatments, ‘normal’ and ‘reduced’ P fertilisation, were imposed in order to investigate the effect of P fertilisation on colonisation by indigenous and inoculated AM fungi, and growth and nutrient status of tomato in the field. Non-destructive growth measurements and soil core samples to assess mycorrhizal colonisation were taken mid-season (approx. 10 weeks after transplanting). Destructive growth measurements and core samples to assess colonisation were taken at harvest (approx. 19 weeks after transplanting). Colonisation of rmc was insubstantial and it again served as an effective non-mycorrhizal control to 76R. Colonisation was insubstantial in all treatments on the farm where soil had moderate plant-available P. On the other farm, where soil had relatively high plant-available P, colonisation of all plants was low mid-season, but was mostly substantial (>20%) in 76R and U941 at harvest. Low colonisation on both farms was probably the result of farming practices, particularly soil cultivation. However, a combination of inoculation and reduced P fertilisation increased colonisation. Colonisation by indigenous AM fungi had no effect on the growth or nutrient status of field grown tomatoes. In contrast, pre-inoculation with AM fungi increased fruit yield by a mean of approx. 40% in 76R and U941. This was the result of an 18% increase in the fresh weight of individual fruits and, when inoculation was combined with reduced P fertilisation, a 21% increase in the number of fruits on each plant. The increase in the number of fruits on each plant was associated with an increase in the number of flowers at the most advanced growth stage. Inoculation also increased vegetative growth, and fruit P, Zn and Ca contents. A small (4%) decrease in fruit brix was more than offset by increased yield. This study has shown that while AM fungi indigenous to tomato farm soils have the ability to substantially colonise tomato, they appear to have little effect on tomato growth, yield or nutrition in the field. In contrast, inoculation of tomato seedlings with mutualistic AM fungi during nursery production can substantially increase the growth, yield and fruit nutrient contents of field-grown tomatoes under commercial conditions. This increase could also be enhanced by a reduction in P fertilisation. Increased yield and fruit nutrient contents, and decreased P fertilisation neatly address the aims of increased agricultural sustainability. Incorporating pre-inoculation of tomato into existing farming practices has a potential to increase the productivity and sustainability of processing tomato production worldwide. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1292847 / Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2007