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M.S. Forestry Seminar: Shrijana Duwadi

March 29, 2019 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

M.S. Forestry Seminar: Shrijana Duwadi, Maj. Prof. Dr. Lori Eckhardt

Title: Impact of Tree Inoculation by Leptographium terebrantis on Soil Microbial Communities in Commercial Loblolly Pine Stand

Location: Dixon Conference Room

Date: Friday, March 29, 2019

Time: 2 p.m.

Abstract:

A variety of abiotic and biotic stressors, including root-feeding bark beetles and, pathogenic ophiostomatoid fungi are associated with the root disease of Pinus spp. Our research goal was to analyze if a tree inoculation by ophiostomatoid fungus, Leptographium terebrantis affects soil microbial biomass, new root growth and ectomycorrhizal colonization of fine roots in a commercial loblolly pine stand in Eufaula, Alabama. The study design included three replicates of five treatment levels. We also studied soil physiochemical compositions and foliar nutrients before the treatment.

The treatment effect on microbial biomass and the ectomycorrhizal colonization of fine roots were insignificant. Seasonal variation in microbial biomass and soil C: N ratio was evident, both before and after the inoculation treatment. Microbial biomass responds positively to soil moisture and soil organic matters. The treatment effect on new root growth was insignificant until December 2018. A difference in new root growth among treatments was observed in February 2019. In 2017 and 2018, new root growth was rapid in the spring and summer, while it declined in the fall. Maximum fine roots during the two-year study period were observed at 28.3 cm depth. Fine root growth was not significant for the treatment and control pairs within the treatment plots. Ectomycorrhizal colonization varied by depth and was highest in 20-30 cm soil profile. It appears that ectomycorrhizae in loblolly pine stand thrive in acidic soil.

Total soil N, total S, available Mg, and pH were significantly different among treatments before the inoculation. Excluding available Cu and Al, soil properties were significantly different among soil profiles. Except for foliar Mn, pre-inoculation foliar nutrients were not significantly different among treatments.

Our study has allowed us to understand the response of soil biological properties to loblolly pine infection with L. terebrantis as well as the importance of soil moisture, soil organic matters and balanced soil pH for overall stand health.

Details

Date:
March 29, 2019
Time:
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Event Categories:
,

Organizer

Audrey Grindle, Graduate Student Coordinator
Phone
334-844-9250
Email
apg0008@auburn.edu

Venue

College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment
602 Duncan Drive
Auburn, AL 36849 United States
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Phone
334-844-4000
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