Mycorrhizae Users Guide
Definition (Wikipedia):A mycorrhiza typically seen in the plural forms mycorrhizae or mycorrhizas is a symbiotic (occasionally weakly pathogenic) association between a fungus and the roots of a plant. In a mycorrhizal association the fungus may colonize the roots of a host plant either intracellularly or extracellularly.
Benefits of growing organically with Mycorrhizae:• It actually produces antibiotics for the plant
• Plants become more resistant to disease.
• Seeks out and chokes root eating nematodes in the soil
• Squeezes into smaller spots roots can't reach to get nutrients
• Increases root system up to 100 times
• Caries nutrients to the roots
• Produces enzymes that break down soil to usable nutrients
• Carry and retain water for the plant, protecting against drought.
• Allows plants to absorb nutrients normally “locked up” because pH
Mycorrhiza is a fungus that forms a symbiotic relationship with over 95% of native plant life. The Mycorrhiza receives carbohydrates (sugars) from the plant roots and in return brings the roots soluble nutrients, the plant gains the use of the mycelium's very large surface area to absorb water and mineral nutrients from the soil, thus improving the mineral absorption capabilities of the plant roots. Plant roots alone may be incapable of absorbing the nutrients locked up in soils with either to high or two low pH. The mycelium of the mycorrhizal fungus can however access these nutrients, and make them available to the plants they colonize. The mechanisms of increased absorption are both physical and chemical. Mycorrhizal mycelia are much smaller in diameter than the smallest root, and can explore a greater volume of soil, providing a larger surface area for absorption.
What to look for:There are two form of mycorrhizae: those that penetrate the cell wall of the plant's root and those that do not. The ones that do not are called ectomycorrhizal; those that do are called endomycorrhizal or, more commonly today, VAM fungi.
Endomycorrhizal:Glomus, Gigaspora
Ectomycorrhizal: Rhizopogan, Scleropderma
Our Lady Salvia beds with Endomycorrhizal. So you will want to purchase a product that contains a diverse mix of endomycorrhizal species.
Most local nurseries won’t carry pure mycorrhizae, they’ll have them mixed with soils or fertilizers. So if you want the fungi alone the web will be your friend. I found many reputable sources of both information and products online.
How to apply:Mycorrhizal application is easy and requires no special equipment. The goal is to create physical contact between the mycorrhizal inoculant and the plant root. Mycorrhizal inoculant can be sprinkled onto roots during transplanting, worked into seed beds, blended into potting soil, "watered in" via existing irrigation systems, applied as a root dip gel or probed into the root zone of existing plants. The type of application depends upon the conditions and needs of the applicator.
- If using a Micorrhizae mixed with an organic fertalizer: the 1st inocculation its good to start with a "tea". Mix 1 cup of the Mycorrhize Fert. with 1 gallon of water and let sit for 24 hours. Pour 4 cups of the liquid over the root zone and sprinkle any undissolved particles over the soil.
- For transplants; this is the best time to introduce mycorrhizae. Work the mycorrhizae into the soil under the spot you have chosen for the plant.
- Only one inoculation is needed for permanent plantings (in the ground). Most of us will be growing in pots so I'd reinoculate while transplanting.
Pictures and Videos:These plants were grown in the exact soils and conditions. Only difference is one was inoculated.
Here is a fascinating 12 minute video I found. It's made by a company that looks as if they are leading the research in this stuff.
http://www.mycorrhizae.com/index.php?cid=408&I'll update and add soon.
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