Objective: To determine if arbuscular mycorrhizal species have a significant effect on the growth and overall health of tissue culture propagated Crocanthemum canadense (L.) Britton (Rockrose). With increased knowledge on this symbiotic relationship, advanced methods can be determined for the reintroduction and conservation of these plants in their nutrient poor, native sand barren environment.

Rockrose (Crocanthemum canadense (L.) Britton), is a small herbaceous perennial found in dry, sandy barren ecosystems in eastern North America. This rare plant is classified as critically imperiled in Nova Scotia as populations are increasingly in decline. Nova Scotia has two distinct populations located in sand barrens in Kings County.

Methods:

1. Propagate plants using tissue culture
2. Create trap cultures with native soil and Zea mays to increase viable spore propagules and to create a soil inoculum
3. Out-plant tissue cultured Rockrose plants into various soil mixtures to determine the most effective soil mixture for trial
4. Out-plant tissue cultured grown Rockrose in successful soil mixture with varying soil inoculum ratios

Currently: Assessing overall health and survival of plants

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