Selection of a vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus for practical inoculation of Uniola paniculata

Beach erosion is a major economic concern in many coastal areas. Beach replenishment, where compatible sand (often from offshore sources) is added back to the beach, is the most widely accepted method to restore eroded beaches. Beach grasses, such as sea oats (Uniola paniculata L.) are often planted on restored beaches in the southeastern states to slow the loss of wind-blown sand. The objective of the present study was to select an effective (growth enhancing) and practical (readily cultured) VAM fungus for potential use in an inoculation program with outplanted sea oats. Five isolates of Glomus spp. were tested.