GROWTH OF GREEN PEPPER AND LETTUCE TRANSPLANTS AS EFFECTED BY MYCORRHIZAE, MEDIA, AND CONTAINER TYPE
The effects of two mycorrhizal species (Glomus versiforme and Glomus intraradix) and a control on the growth of green pepper, Capsicum annuum, and lettuce, Lactuca sativa, seedlings have been evaluated using three types of growing media (Fafard bulk mix, Cornell mix and a compost based mix) and two types of containers, Cell Packs (125 cubic cm volume) and Pro-Trays (65 cubic cm volume) for green pepper and Cell Packs (125 cubic cm volume) and Plug Flats (33 cubic cm volume) for lettuce. The experiments used a split plot randomized complete block design with 4 blocks, and were carried out in a double-poly greenhouse in 1991. Supplemental lighting was provided by HPS lights with a 16 hour photoperiod. Seeds were sown directly into the containers of mycorrhizal inoculated media. All treatments received the same fertilizer regime. Plants in the higher volume cells were larger than those in the smaller volume cells for both pepper and lettuce. The Fafard Bulk Mix and the Compost mix gave larger plants than did the Cornell mix for both crops. An additional experiment examining the effect of light type on mycorrhizal transplant growth and development is underway and will be presented.