“Mycor” – “rhiza” literally means “fungus” – “root” and defines the mutually beneficial relationship between the plant and root fungus. These specialized fungi colonize plant roots and extend far into the soil. Mycorrhizal fungal filaments in the soil are truly extensions of root systems and are more effective in nutrient and water absorption than the roots themselves. More than 90 percent of plant species in natural areas form a symbiotic relationship with the beneficial mycorrhizal fungi. Mycorrhizae is a beneficial root fungus that will increase the root structure of most plants by 100-1000 times.
- The microscopic root fungus (hyphae) will attach to the roots of a plant and seek out micronutrients and water that the regular roots can’t reach.
- Increased root mass reduces water use and increases effects of organic fertilizers.
- Mycorrhizae will reduce plant replacement and maintenance cost.
Mycorrhizal fungi increase the surface absorbing area of roots 100 to a 1,000 times, thereby greatly improving the ability of the plant to access soil resources. Mycorrhizal fungi increase nutrient uptake not only by increasing the surface absorbing area of the roots, but also release powerful enzymes into the soil that dissolve hard-to-capture nutrients, such as organic nitrogen, phosphorus, iron and other “tightly bound” soil nutrients. This extraction process is particularly important in plant nutrition and explains why non-mycorrhizal plants require high levels of fertility to maintain their health. Mycorrhizal fungi form an intricate web that captures and assimilates nutrients, conserving the nutrient capital in soils.
Undisturbed soils are full of beneficial soil organisms including mycorrhizal fungi. However, many common practices can degrade the mycorrhizae-forming potential of soil. Tillage, removal of topsoil, erosion, site preparation, compaction, fumigation, invasion of weeds and leaving soils fallow are some of the activities that can reduce or eliminate these beneficial soil fungi. Scientific studies indicate endo mycorrhizal fungal populations are slow to recolonize, unless there is close access to natural areas that can act as a source of mycorrhizal spores to repopulate the affected area. Reintroducing mycorrhizal fungi in areas where they have been lost or destroyed can dramatically improve plant performance with less water and amendments at a reduced cost.
- Improved nutrient and water uptake
- Improved root growth
- Improved plant growth and yield
- Improved disease resistance
- Reduced transplant shock
- Reduced drought stress
- Parasitic nematode control
- MycoApply Endo Granular
MycoApply ® Endo mycorrhizal granular inoculum consists of 4 carefully selected species of endomycorrhizae. These beneficial fungi build a natural microbial system, which greatly enhance plant growth, vigor and tolerance of environmental extremes. MycoApply ® Endo is a granular material containing mycorrhizal fungi that colonize roots and extend into the surrounding soil forming an essential link between plant and soil resources. About 90% of the world’s plant species form mycorrhizae with these beneficial endomycorrhizal fungi. Beneficial mycorrhizal fungi expand into the surrounding soil and greatly increase the root’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, while improving plant yields and health.
The goal is to create physical contact between the roots and inoculant. Inoculant can be banded under seed, worked into seed beds, placed under cuttings, blended into potting soil, or sprinkled near roots at transplant time. Some examples of inoculation practices and rates include:
- Restoration: Use 20 pounds per acre for broadcast or hydromulch applications before or during planting.
- Nurseries: Inoculum can be mixed in planting soil before/during filling cavities, pots, and trays. May be mixed with mechanical equipment that allows passage of 1/4 inch (7mm) or larger particles. For propagation: Use 2 pounds per cubic yard.
- For turf: Apply during installation or aerification of turf. Use .25 to .5 pound per 1000 sq. ft.
- For planting: Apply in furrow 1 teaspoon per row foot; Cuttings-1/2 teaspoon under each cutting; Potted Transplants- Use 1-2 tablespoons per gallon planting size; Ball and Burlap plantings- use .5 to 1.5 ounces per inch of stem caliper.
- Agriculture: Band or mix with seed at 2 lbs./acre.
Benefits:
- Reduces: Drought stress; Water and fertilizer needs; Disease losses; Transplant shock
- Increases: Flowering and fruiting; Water and nutrient storage and uptake; Root growth
- Promotes: Extensive root system; Soil structure; Plant establishment
- MycoApply Endo Powder