There’s a hidden fungus growing on the roots of 90 percent of the plants on this planet. What does this mean for your plants? That they’re going to be extra healthy!
Mycorrhiza is a fungus which forms a mutualistic relationship with plants by attaching itself to their roots and aiding in all things plants do. The name of this fungus literally means “root fungus” as it is derived from Myco (fungus) and rhiza (roots). So how exactly does this fungus benefit plant systems?
Mycorrhiza attaches itself to the roots of plants forming a fuzzy outer lining. Thanks to the added surface area provided by the fungus, plants become much better at absorbing water and nutrients from the soil meaning less water and fertilizer is required. In return for these great benefits, the plants supply a steady source of carbohydrates in the form of glucose and sucrose to the fungus.
This fungus has also been shown to help plants in breaking down certain demineralized nutrients, such as phosphate ions, which a plant would have otherwise not had access to. In a similar process, this fungus has also been found to give plants an enhanced pathogen resistance by way of acting as a barrier between the plants roots and potential harmful agents. Mycorrhiza can even help plants break down petroleum and heavy metals at contaminated sites!
So what does this all mean for a gardener? Mycorrhiza can help you make transplanting a breeze. You can actually buy mycorrhiza inoculates which can then be either mixed in with your soil before planting or watered in like a standard fertilizer. It’s like giving your plants a new best friend!
By: Wylee Wooldridge