North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Alan Haigh <alandhaigh@gmail.com>]

I realize the discussion has gone way beyond mychorizal amendments but to get back to that, I don't think this is really a matter of contradicting research.  Adding a store bought inoculant is not even based on a reasonable theory that I know of.  Fungus multiply really fast if conditions encourage them- it is an accepted premise that the mychorizal associations are not species specific, so all you need is a little soil from some place where trees have long been growing to inoculate soil.  The packaged product only offers the convenience of not having to do that.  As far as the spray concept- that's just beyond me.  Is there some kind of theory why that should work, I mean as a foliar spray?

 

As far as all of you who have complaints about the state of scientific research in this country, I can't help but wonder if you aren't lamenting an imaginary past.  Why would funding ever come in great quantities for any reason other than business interest?  Even if the government funded research purely for the social good the decisions are always going to be skewered by the power of the holly dollar.  Of course we should always work to make this country better and more progressive but like the weather, it's never going to be anywhere near perfect.  With all that science has accomplished in my lifetime through research, I have to wonder what golden era of science was more affective in transforming our lives then the one we're living in.