Mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal tomatos

Root architecture and root growth are important for exploration of soil for water and nutrients, as the acquisition of these resources drives plant growth. Several important concepts, however, govern the development of roots and their direct and indirect effects on plant growth. We are studying several genetic and ecological factors that control root function.

Several projects have been completed or are underway to study role of root architecture and arbuscular mycorrhizae, and water relations for vegetable crops. In several of our studies, we use two genotypes of tomato plants: a mycorrhiza defective tomato mutant (rmc hereafter) or its mycorrhizal wildtype progenitor Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. 76R (76R MYC+ hereafter). A few of our past and current projects include:

• Mycorrhizae and microbial communities in organic production
• Biofumigation, soil microbial communities, and plant nutrient uptake
• Arbuscular mycorrhizae in wild and cultivated lettuce
• Lettuce root architecture and extraction of soil moisture
• Roots, mycorrhizae, and soil respiration
• Mycorrhizae and elevated CO2