02025naa a2200181 a 450000100080000000500110000800800410001910000180006024500670007826000090014552015420015465300220169665300150171865300110173365300170174470000200176177300620178116464061994-01-05       1992    bl ---       0--  u    #d1 aSYLVIA, D. M.  aSheared-Root inocula of vesicular-Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi  c1992  aFor efficient handling, vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi should by processed into small nad uniform inocula; however, processing can reduce the inoculum density. In this article we describe the preparation and use of sheared-root inocula of Glomus spp. in which inoculum densities were increased during processing. Our objectives were to determine inoculum viability and density after shearing and to ascertain if the sheared inocula could be pelletized or used with a gel carrier. Root samples were harvested from aeroponic cultures, blotted dry, cut into 1-cm lengths, and sheared in a food processor for up to 80 s. After shearing, the inoculum was washed over sieves, and the propagule density in each fraction was determined. Sheared inocula were also encapsulqted in carrageenan or used in a gel carrier. Shearing aeroponically produced root inocula reduced particle size. Propagule density increased with decreasing size fraction down to a size of 63 um, after which propagule density decreased. The weighted-average propagule density the inoculum was 135,380 propagules g (dry weght) of sheared root material-1. Sheared roots were encapsulated successfully in carrageenan, andthe gel served as an effective carrier. Aeroponic root inoculum was stored dry at 4graus C for 23 months without significant reduction in propagule density; however, this material was not appropriate for shearing. Moist roots, useful for shearing, began to lose propagule density after 1 month os storage. Shearing proved to be an excellent method  aGlomus intraradix  aGlomus spp  aRaizes  aSolos Doenca1 aJARSTFER, A. G.  tApplied environmental microbiology, jan 1992, p. 229-232.