Evaluation of Glycine betaine, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, and mycorrhizal inoculants on drought stress in urban trees

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High post-transplantation tree mortality is an important limitation in efforts to enhance tree cover in Canadian cities, one resultingin large costs to municipalities and tree owners. Lallemand Plant Care has developed several products that enhance plant stressresistance in agricultural crops, two of which may have important application in urban forestry due to their mitigation of droughtstress; Bluestim (Glycine betaine) and Rhizocell (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens IT-45) inoculants. Individually, one works to stimulateroot growth and improve nutrient uptake, while the other enhances normal functioning of photosynthesis and translocation of waterand nutrients during environmental stress (i.e. high or low temperatures, water stress, saline/sodic soil), conditions commonlyfaced by newly-planted trees in urban settings. Research is needed to investigate the potential for these agents to interact whencombined with standard endomycorhizzal inoculations (Glomus intraradices) to mitigate planting shock and tree stress normallyexperienced during street tree establishment. Based on their modes of action, it is predicted that the two agents will have apositive, synergistic effect on tree seedling growth, one that will enhance individual vigour and survival. When combined, it is alsolikely that they will confer improved stress and pest tolerance, however both greenhouse and field trials designed to elucidate theexact physiological mechanisms and extent of improvement are needed in order to demonstrate commercial application. Ifsuccessful, this approach will provide a breakthrough of great significance to both Lallemand and the growing number ofmunicipalities across Canada in desperate need of better tools to enhance urban greening.