What is mycorrhiza?
The mutual coexistence of plants and symbiotic soil fungi is a natural part of ecosystems. This relationship forms an extensive, hidden system beneath our feet, often seen in the connection between trees and the mycelium of common mushrooms (boletus or porcini mushrooms). Symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi are an ancient group, known to have existed for over 400 million years, which played a crucial role in helping plants colonise land.
How does it work?
Mycorrhizae are a natural partnership between fungi and plants. The fungi in the soil grow tiny thread-like structures that connect to the roots of plants. These threads act like extensions of the plant's root system, allowing the plant to gather more water and nutrients, especially phosphorus and nitrogen, which are hard to absorb on its own. In return, the plant shares some of the sugars it produces during photosynthesis with the fungi. This gives the fungi the energy they need to survive.
In addition to helping plants grow, mycorrhizal fungi also improve the soil by making it more stable, preventing it from washing away during rain, and storing carbon in the ground, which helps the environment. It’s a win-win situation where both the plants and fungi benefit from each other, creating a hidden underground network that supports life.
Mycorrhizal Symbiosis- A Visual Journey
To further illustrate this fascinating natural phenomenon, we recommend watching this educational film from the Bavarian Forest and Šumava National Parks. It beautifully captures the hidden world of mycorrhizal symbiosis.
Why use it?
Plants whose roots thrive in networks of mycorrhizal fungi are healthier and more vigorous. Their resistance to pathogens, salinity, water scarcity, and transplanting stress is enhanced. Optimally nourished plants produce abundant flowers and fruits. Adequate nutrients and ideal water management also improve the taste of the fruit. Underneath, there is a visual comparison of two groups of plants showing the difference in root and plant health between those without and with mycorrhizal treatment.
What is the role of mycorrhiza in crop disease control?
Mycorrhiza plays a key role in reducing crop diseases by protecting plants from harmful pathogens and providing a sustainable alternative for disease control. By colonising roots, mycorrhiza reduces the impact of parasitic nematodes and pathogenic soil fungi. This protection results from enhanced root growth, altered plant physiology, and changes in the surrounding microbial environment, all working together to make crops more resilient and healthier.
In short, mycorrhiza strengthens plants naturally, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
Is Mycorrhiza Safe for Humans, Animals, and Beneficial Organisms Like Earthworms and Pollinators?
Mycorrhizal fungi are safe for humans, animals, and key organisms in the ecosystem, such as earthworms and pollinators, making them a valuable and eco-friendly solution for agriculture and gardening.
In the case of earthworms, studies show that mycorrhizal fungi are actually beneficial to them. Earthworms help spread mycorrhizal spores in the soil, and their activity promotes the overall health of the soil ecosystem. Mycorrhizal fungi improve nutrient availability, which positively affects both plants and soil organisms.
As for pollinators, mycorrhizal fungi operate underground and have no direct impact on pollinators like bees or butterflies. However, by supporting the growth of healthier plants and stronger root systems, mycorrhiza indirectly enhances the production of more robust and nutrient-rich flowers, which benefits pollinators.
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Types of Mycorrhizae
Arbuscular mycorrhiza is the most widespread type, found in 80% of the world’s plant species, ranging from mosses and ferns to gymnosperms and angiosperms.
Ectomycorrhiza is the second most common (about 3-4% of plant species) and is especially typical for forest trees, both coniferous (spruce, pine, fir, larch) and deciduous (oak, beech, linden, hornbeam, birch).
Ericoid mycorrhiza occurs in the Ericaceae family (heathers, blueberries, cranberries, rhododendrons, and azaleas), which dominate in habitats with low soil pH and nutrient availability, like bogs and heaths.
Want to learn more? Here you will find articles, publications or presentations about mycorrhizal symbioses.