some companies advertise and sell mycorrhizae to home gardeners and commercial farms, claiming that the presence of mycorrhizae improves plant growth and survival. if the company conducted experiments on plants with and without mycorrhizae, which of the following results would support their claim?
Which results would support the claim that mycorrhizae improve plant growth and survival in experiments conducted by a company advertising and selling mycorrhizae?
Answer:
To support the claim that mycorrhizae improve plant growth and survival, the company conducting the experiments should look for specific results that demonstrate the benefits of using mycorrhizae. Here are some results that would support their claim based on scientific research and findings:
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Increased Nutrient Absorption: If plants treated with mycorrhizae show higher levels of nutrient absorption, especially for essential nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen, compared to plants without mycorrhizal treatment, this result would support the claim. Mycorrhizae have a symbiotic relationship with plants, enhancing their ability to absorb nutrients.
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Better Growth Rate: Observing a significant increase in plant growth rate in the presence of mycorrhizae would be a positive outcome. This can include taller plants, more extensive root systems, or overall healthier looking plants compared to the control group without mycorrhizal treatment.
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Improved Resistance to Diseases: If plants treated with mycorrhizae demonstrate stronger resistance to common plant diseases or pests, it would indicate that mycorrhizae contribute to the plant’s immune system. This increased resistance would support the claim of improved plant survival.
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Enhanced Drought Tolerance: Another important result to look for is whether plants with mycorrhizal associations show better tolerance to drought conditions. Mycorrhizae can help plants access water more efficiently, which would be evident if treated plants survive longer under drought stress compared to untreated plants.
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Higher Yield: If the plants treated with mycorrhizae produce a higher yield of fruits, flowers, or vegetables compared to those without mycorrhizal treatment, it demonstrates the positive impact of mycorrhizae on plant productivity. Higher yield would be a strong indicator of improved plant growth and overall health.
By analyzing these specific results in their experiments, the company can gather evidence to support their claim that the presence of mycorrhizae indeed benefits plant growth and survival.