Pine seedlings grown in sterile potting soil grow much slower than seedlings grown in soil from the area where the seeds were collected. This is most likely because ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The normal symbiotic fungi, mycorrhizae, that are present in the soil from the area where the seeds were collected are important for aiding in water and nutrient uptake for the developing seedling. Without these fungi, growth is slowed. Sterilization removes these essential fungi from the soil.

Pine Seedlings Grown in Sterile Potting Soil Grow Much Slower