Nutrients and water are essential components for effective plant growth. Most growing media formulated with peat, coco coir, perlite, vermiculite, and bark often have low populations of beneficial microorganisms. By incorporating biologically active ingredients, such as beneficial mycorrhizae, plants can achieve optimal crop yields through more efficient use of water and nutrients.
Microorganisms play a vital role in plant nutrition, although they are often overlooked. Studies have shown that crops perform better, especially under stressful conditions, when microorganisms or mycorrhizal fungi are used.
Mycorrhizal fungi are particularly known for increasing the absorption area of root systems, thereby improving nutrient absorption efficiency in growing media. In organic growing conditions, these fungi and naturally present microorganisms play a crucial role in the mineralization of organic nutrients.
In soils that have been tilled or commercial growing media, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are almost always absent. Using a growing medium pre-inoculated with AMF, such as PRO-MIX® with mycorrhizae, is the quickest way to colonize plant roots and receive their benefits.
AMF spores germinate after planting and produce hyphae that reach out to colonize plant roots. Within a few weeks, new hyphae are formed that explore the soil to acquire nutrients unavailable to plant roots. This extension is crucial, especially when plants are under stress from drought, nutrient deficiency, or heat.
Benefits of Mycorrhizae:
Using mycorrhizal fungi inoculants at the beginning of the crop cycle can provide plants with greater resistance to stressful growing conditions. Here are some key considerations:
When it comes to mycorrhizal fungi, there’s a lot of information out there—and not all of it is accurate. To help you make the best decisions for your plants, let’s clear up some common misconceptions and uncover the facts behind these powerful microorganisms. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just getting started, this section will give you the clarity you need to maximize your crop potential.
1. The More Mycorrhizae Species in a Product, the Better.
- Myth: Introducing multiple mycorrhizae species can create competition between them, reducing their effectiveness. It is better to use a product with a high concentration of a proven mycorrhizae species.
2. Ectomycorrhiza Work Well with Cannabis Plants.
-Myth: Ectomycorrhiza do not colonize cannabis plants. They develop around the roots and outside, without penetrating the root cells.
3. It Is Necessary to Add Mycorrhizae Directly to the Roots.
- Fact: Yes, mycorrhizal fungi need proximity to the roots to form symbiosis. Applying them directly to the roots ensures the best benefits, especially for short-cycle crops like cannabis.
4. More Propagules per Gram Mean Better Performance.
- Myth: While more propagules can increase the chances of symbiosis, the viability of the microorganisms is more important than concentration. When mycorrhizal products are identified as propagules, it entails that they are not filled with exclusively viable spores. Why does that matter? Like seeds for a medicinal plant, spores are how fungi reproduce and, because of that, a product, to be worth it, needs to indicate that it contains viable spores.
5. Mycorrhizal Inoculants Are Produced Commercially.
- Fact: Yes, mycorrhizae can be produced via the "In Vitro" method, ensuring consistency and preventing cross-contamination. Find more information here.
Investing in high-quality mycorrhizae with a high spore count enhances plant development, stress resistance, yield, trichome density, potency, and terpene profile. Learn more on Premier Tech Growers and Consumers website here.
