The values obtained from the treated plants will be compared to those obtained from the control plants to deteremine if any treatments are affording protection to the hop plants from downy mildew. These will include perennial geraniums this year. Willow plants treated with high UVB will produce more phenolic glycosides to protect against cell radiation. Phenolic glycosides are also a deterrant to herbovores, namely the Purple Bog Fritillary butterfly. Because many of the species in this family are broadleaf evergreens, they provide color in New England's otherwise stark winter landscape.
Ericaceous species can be difficult to propagate and therefore are often underplanted.
Improved propagation by lowering fertilizer inputs during production can reduce the incidence of surface and groundwater contamination which is a seroius concern of nurserymen around the country. Mycorrhizal fungi in ericaceous species have been shown to increase root branching, increase resistance to heavy metal toxicity, and increase availability of nitrogen. There will be 10 species grown and evaluated over a 9 month growing period. The ideal outcome would show that with fungal inoculation, fertilizer levels can be reduced, propagation by cutting successes can be increased and, ultimately, total cost of growing can be decreased. One of my experiments will determine the germination success of L. salicaria in different habitats.