Edukation Day.
What is Mycorrhiza?
Myco means 'fungus' and rhiza means 'root', so it literally means fungus-root and describes the mutually beneficial relationship between the plant and root fungus (mycorrhizae is the plural form of mycorrhiza). Mycorrhizal fungal filaments are extensions of root systems (hyphae) and are more effective in nutrient and water absorption than the roots alone. These fungi colonizes plant roots and extends far into the soil. Around 95 percent of plant species on the planet form a symbiotic relationship with the beneficial mycorrhizal fungi.
Function
The surface absorbing area of roots increase with the presence of mycorrhizal fungi which improves the ability of the plant to access soil resources. Mycorrhizae are an essential part of a healthy soil system, and several miles of hypha filaments can be present in less than a teaspoon of soil. Mycorrhizal fungi increase nutrient uptake by increasing the surface absorbing area of the roots and will release organic compounds into the soil that solubilize nutrients, such as organic nitrogen, phosphorus, iron and other bound soil nutrients more difficult to capture.
This process is important in plant nutrition and non-mycorrhizal plants may require higher levels of fertilization to maintain their health since mycorrhizal fungi form a detailed web that captures and takes in nutrients. With cannabis it means increasing the synthesis of molecules such as terpenes and cannabinoids by stimulating the chemotype of a plant.
How do I add mycorrhizal fungi to my plants?
Mycorrhizal inoculants such as Mykos or Great White provide the fungi the plant needs. Although I don't endorse any of these products and I don't provide detailed data on them, there are some certain things to consider before purchasing. The below image provides three key things to keep in mind when sourcing mycorrhizal inoculants.
Promix has their own line and has been designed for cannabis growers by keeping those three aspects in mind. From their site they claim that with 6000 viable spores per gram, their inoculant is the most concentrated product of its kind on the market. By applying it as a slurry on your rooted cuttings when transplanting, you obtain approximately 30,000 viable spores in direct contact with the root system. The symbiosis will happen, and it will happen fast.
Here's a little video that you may all enjoy as well.
So I hope you enjoyed this little lesson about Mycorrhiza!