MYCORRHIZAE

WHAT IS IT?

Mycorrhizae is the symbiotic association of mycorrhizal fungi with plant roots. Through this symbiosis, they naturally develop and mutually reinforce themselves without hindering or cannibalizing each other.

The symbiosis is beneficial to both as the fungi bring water and nutrients to the plant whereas the plant provides the fungi with the sugars they need to proliferate.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR THE PLANTS?

The root system's extended network provides several benefits to the plants colonized by mycorrhizae.

PROTECTION AGAINST PATHOGENS

A plant with an easier access to nutrients is healthier and stronger and therefore better equipped to fight off pathogens and diseases.

Plus, mycorrhizae provide to the plant greater tolerance to drought, salinity, soil compaction, and other environmental stresses.

DEVELOPMENT OF AN UNDERGROUND NETWORK

Roots with mycorrhizae spread over the available space more rapidly given their spectacular extension.

This results in the reduction of the transplant shock, a faster rooting development, an increase of the survival rate and the maintenance of soil structure.

SOLUBILIZATION OF THE SOIL NUTRIENTS

The plant can't directly use the minute amount of phosphorus contained in the soil.

Mycorrhizae "transform" or solubilize the phosphorus contained in the soil to the benefit of the plant.

TRANSPORTATION OF WATER AND NUTRIENTS TO THE ROOTS

Roots with mycorrhizae have more surface area to absorb water and nutrients.

Therefore, plant development and growth are improved, just as flowering and fructification.

WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?

Mycorrhizal fungi have existed since the first plants appeared on dry land more than 450 million years ago. They maintain a close symbiotic relationship with plant roots.

The term mycorrhizae comes from the Greek words "mykês" (meaning fungi) and "rhiza" (meaning roots).

HOW IS IT GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT?

However, in soil that has been disturbed by human activity, the quality of mycorrhizae decreases drastically. They are not present in sufficient number to provide significant benefits for plant growth and health, and this lack must hence be compensated.

Mycorrhizae have been in nature since the beginning of time. Hence, they are completely and naturally powerful.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ENDOMYCORRHIZAE AND ECTOMYCORRHIZAE?

There are two major groups of mycorrhizal fungi: ectomycorrhizal and endomycorrhizal fungi.

The former proliferate exclusively on the exterior of root cells, whereas the latter penetrate plant cells where direct metabolic exchanges are possible.

ECTOMYCORRHIZAE

Ectomycorrhizal fungi are also found in natural environments, mainly in forests ecosystems. These fungi can form visible reproductive structures (mushrooms) at the feet of trees they colonize. Ectomycorrhizal fungi grow between root cells without penetrating them.

Their hyphae grow externally, forming dense growth known as a fungal mantle. These fungi form symbiotic relationships with most pines, spruces, and some hardwood trees including beech, birch, oak, and willow.

ENDOMYCORRHIZAE

Among the types of endomycorrhizal fungi, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are the most prevalent in soils. Their name is derived from structures they form within the plant root cell: arbuscules*. Endomycorrhizal fungi are compatible with more than 80 % of plant species.

*Arbuscules are finely-branched structures that form within a cell and serve as a major metabolic exchange site between the plant and the fungus.

PREMIER TECH'S VISION OF BIOTECHNOLOGY

Since it opened its plant in 2000, Premier Tech has developed over the years a unique level of expertise in industrial production of top-quality mycorrhizal inoculants.

Premier Tech became the very first manufacturer to produce top-quality mycorrhizal inoculants.

METHODS FOR USE AND STORAGE

To maximize the benefits of mycorrhizae, it is preferable to inoculate near plant roots when planting or transplanting or directly on seeds or in furrows when sowing.

It is important to follow the manufacturer's application rates and recommendations as well as to verify the storage conditions for mycorrhizal inoculants. Otherwise, they will not survive extreme heat or freezing temperatures.