subject: What is Mycorrhizae? [print this page] What is Mycorrhizae? What is Mycorrhizae?
Mycorrhizae is the name given to the associations between natural soil fungi and plant roots that are of benefit to both the plant and fungi. As such they are a classic Symbiotic relationship. These plant-fungi relationships have been evolving for over 400 million years and vital for over 80% of land plants.
Mycorrhizae are tiny fungi that have been evolving for over 400 million years. These tiny beneficial fungi live on the roots and work in a symbiotic relationship with over 80% of all species of plants.
See an explantation video at on how mycorrhizae works
Mycorrhizal fungi work in a very complex way but the benefits to plant, tree or grass are very simple and very dramatic.
These highly specialised fungi live in a symbiotic harmony with the roots of the plant. They bond into or onto the roots massively increasing the effective surface area of the root system allowing the plant greater access to essential nutrients and water that may be scarce in the soil but which are essential l for healthy and strong growth.
A good way to understand the benefits of mycorrhizae is to use a fishing comparison If a fisherman is only equipped with a single line fishing rod his ability to catch large amounts of fish is very limited. However if the same fishermen ventures out with a large net, he is able to capture more fish by covering a larger area of sea massively increasing his catch size.
Mycorrhizal fungi work like the fisherman's net. They can increase the plants roots surface area by up to 4 x its original size. After scavenging for nutrients and water the fungi then pass them back to the roots for use by the plant. This enables the plant to increase its rate of growth and increases its natural health making it much more resistant to pests and diseases . In return the plant provides the mycorrhizal fungi with some of the sugars that it makes through photosynthesis, which the fungi can then use for its own growth.
Benefits of using Mycorrhizal fungi
Accelerates the growth rate of plants
Increases plant growth and survival rates in poor soils
Reduces the need for fertiliser and fungicide as the plant becomes more efficient at scavenging nutrients
Increases the natural vigour and health of the plant
Improves foliar growth and bloom and fruit production.
Which type of Mycorrhizae should i use?
There are two main types of mycorrhizae which associate with specific plants, so before purchasing, you need to make sure that the mycorrhizae you are planning to use are suitable for the plants you have.
The two types of mycorrhizae are:
Endomycorrhiza (Endo): Endo Mycorrhizae are the most commonly found mycorrhiza. These associate with the most plants and tree species, working with nearly 85% of all plant species.
Ectomycorrhiza (Ecto): Ecto Mycorrhizae are the second most common fungi. They associate and benefit around 10% of all plant species. These fungi are generally found in woody plants (oaks, beech, birch, eucalyptus, oak, pine and some roses.
These mycorrhizae do not form an association with Brassicas or with ericaceous plants which includes heathers and blueberries (dan you may want to check up on common ericaceous plants to increase the list)
For a full list of which plants and trees Mycorrhizal Fungi associate with please visit http://www.symbio.co.uk/plants.aspx
