Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plant Biostimulants

 

What are Mycorrhizal Fungi?

Myco, from the Greek word mýkēs, meaning “mushroom, fungus”.

Rhizae, from the Greek word rhíza, meaning “root”.  

Mycorrhizae, a root fungus, that grows in symbiosis with plants, where the fungi provide nutrients and water that the plant roots could not normally obtain on their own.  In turn, the plant provides sugars to the mycorrhizal through photosynthesis.  Learn more about this fascinating process here.

 

Why are Mycorrhizal Fungi Important to Plants?

Mycorrhizal helps plants obtain macro and micronutrients that would not be readily available.  Mycorrhizal networks greatly expand the root zone.  By breaking down organic matter, chelating (bonding) nutrients from the soil, and improving water holding capacity, these fungi form the base of a living soil.  This allows the soil to give plants what they need and build a healthy living soils environment.

Plants that are colonized by Mycorrhizae benefit greatly and are more resilient, and vibrant when grown in these living soils.  The benefits of incorporating Mycorrhizal Fungi into your grow takes advantage of natural systems that have evolved over millions of years.  

 

How do you use Mycorrhizal Fungi?

When using Mycorrhizal Fungi or Plant Biostimulants, proper application to the plant, soil, turf, etc. will guarantee the best results.  The main goal when applying Mycorrhizal is to make direct root contact.  This holds true whether you are using a granular or water soluble product.  This post goes in depth on the many ways that this can be accomplished.

 

Can Mycorrhizal Fungi be harmful to plants?

The strains of Mycorrhizal found in GreenEden Products are not harmful to plants.  They were specifically chosen based on the success of colonization across the most wide range of plant types, growing conditions and environmental factors.  Research has shown that plants will be colonized by multiple species of Mycorrhizal based upon specific factors.  That’s why we include 7 Endomycorrhizal strains in our blends.  This diversity of species give your plants a greater chance for inoculation and awesome results.

 

Can you add Mycorrhizal Fungi to existing soil or after planting?

Mycorrhizal Fungi forms a symbiosis with plant roots.  It is essential to make sure that Mycorrhizal comes into direct root contact.  If you are going to add Mycorrhizal as a soil amendment, it is important to fully incorporate the Mycorrhizal into the soil.  You can then plant into the soil.  It is a best practice to have direct root contact with a Mycorrhizal Fungi for best results.  Read more about using Mycorrhizal here.

Can you use Mycorrhizal Fungi in hydroponics?

Mycorrhizal Fungi needs direct root contact in order to colonize plant roots.  In hydroponics, the same tactics can be used as in soil.  Mycorrhizal powder can be added to the soil-less media, or directly applied to roots at transplant.  For additional inoculations, you can mix a concentrate and apply as a root drench, or directly into the growing solution.  For more about Mycorrhizal in Hydroponics, click here.

Can Mycorrhizal Fungi be used on turf?

Most commercially used grass types are colonized by Endomycorrhizal Fungi.  These Mycorrhizal help grasses extend their root zone, and gain better access to water and nutrients.  When using Mycorrhizal on turf, it is important to ensure direct root contact.  For new lawns, you can blend into soil prior to seeding or laying sod.  Making sure to water in well similar to any other new planting.  If using a liquid solution, water in after the Mycorrhizal application for best results.

 

How long does Mycorrhizal last after opening?

A quality Mycorrhizal product contains a high quantity of spores that remain dormant in dry form.  Mycorrhizal spores can stay dormant for many years.  Over time, however, these spores will lose some viability.  A general recommendation is to use the product within 2 years after opening.  There will remain viable Mycorrhizal after this time, but with reduced effectiveness.  

 

What plants can you use Mycorrhizal Fungi on?

The majority of plants on Earth are colonized by some form of Mycorrhizal Fungi. The most prevalent form of mycorrhizae, Endomycorrhizae, colonizes approximately 80% of all plant species.  Along with Ectomycorrhizae, which colonizes up to 5% of plants, mainly select hardwoods and conifers; includes the majority of plants on earth.  The remainder of plants either have an association with other less prevalent strains of mycorrhizae, or are non-mycorrhizal.

 

When should you apply Mycorrhizal Fungi?

At the time of planting.  That’s the simple, short answer on when to apply Mycorrhizal.  It is also the most effective way to apply in order to quickly establish healthy, strong plants that will gain the largest benefit from their Mycorrhizal partner.  Mycorrhizal can be used in many other ways that can benefit plants during their life cycle.  Read more about how here.

 

What are Beneficial Bacteria for plants?

Great living soils are healthy Ecosystems.  They are alive with an abundance of organisms that help to maintain a healthy, productive plant growing environment.  These organisms include many types of Beneficial Bacteria that can have a positive impact on plants.  Beneficial bacteria serve many functions including breaking down organic matter, chelating nutrients, plant protection, and crop quality.  Learn how beneficial bacteria benefit plants at our Beneficial Bacteria 101 page.

 

What are Plant Biostimulants?

Plant Biostimulants are substances that enhance and improve plant growth and function in ways that are not solely due to the material alone.  They are unique from fertilizers in that they do not directly feed plants.  Plant Biostimulants help make nutrients and other beneficial compounds available for plants.  Check out more about the Biostimulants that help boost your your grow here.

 

Can you use too much Mycorrhizal?

There has been some evidence that an over-abundance of applied Mycorrhizal products may have an impact on certain plant functions.  However, there are many factors that are in play.  Some of these negative effects are found in plants that are grown for animal grazing.  The Mycorrhizal may compete for nutrients with these plants after they have been grazed on, which signals plant defense responses.  

Under normal growing conditions, the amount of Mycorrhizal that is used will not have a negative impact on plants.

Overall, it is best practice to follow label instructions when using Mycorrhizal Fungi In order to gain the maximum benefit for plants.   

 

How long does it take for Mycorrhizal Fungi to work?

Mycorrhizal Fungi can infect plant roots in as little as 1-3 days.  Mycorrhizal benefits for your plants can occur in roughly 4-8 weeks after inoculation.

Many factors are involved for knowing when Mycorrhizal Fungi are established and start to benefit your plants.  Environmental, plant type, growing conditions, and more effect how Mycorrhizal infect and get established.  Using a quality product with a strong concentration of viable Mycorrhizal spores will get you the best results in the shortest timeframe. 

 

How often should you apply Mycorrhizal Fungi?

The best time to apply Mycorrhizal is at the time of planting.  This is true for planting seeds, transplanting seedlings, or repotting.  Your seeds or plants get off to a good start, and will gain benefits as the Mycorrhizae colonizes the root zone completely.  

You should plan on re-applying every time a plant is transplanted.  With a final dose applied within 2-4 weeks of the final transplant.  For direct planting of seeds, you can re-apply every 2 weeks until your plants are established.

It is also beneficial to inoculate established or distressed plants or trees.  In this way, any soil deficiencies, or other potential issues can potentially be mitigated with a fresh dose of Mycorrhizal.  As always, follow application instructions for best results.

 

Is Mycorrhizal harmful to humans?

Mycorrhizal products are typically granular powders.  As with any dry powder, care must be taken as to not inhale or ingest the product.  If there are dusty conditions when using a dry Mycorrhizal product it is suggested to wear a dust mask.  Mycorrhizal Fungi as a living thing is not harmful to humans.  

 

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