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Knowledgecenter Crop protection & disinfection Biological crop protection Which natural enemie are there? What is mycorrhiza?What is mycorrhiza mould?
Author: Jan-Paul de Wit | Latest update: 07-04-2022
New methods for higher yields and better performance of the crop are looked for in horticulture continuously. When diseases or plagues are spotted, often chemical products are seen as a solution. The questions for green solutions are increasing, since the availability of chemical products is changing. The soil life can be named as one of the more green solutions. This because with the presence of different harmless moulds and bacteria, results in less ‘’space’’ for pathogens. The purpose and different types of mycorrhiza moulds are explained by our specialist in this article.
What is mycorrhiza?
The word ‘mycorrhiza’ is derived from the Greek words ‘myco’ (mould, fungus) and ‘rhiza’ (roots). This type of mould grows in soil naturally.
It is mainly used in soil cultivations, because mycorrhiza can easily settle here. The application of mycorrhiza in substrate cultivations, is done less often. However it is not impossible, if use of a special type of mycorrhiza is made.
Where moulds are often associated with plant damage, this is not applicable to mycorrhiza, which ‘mutualistically’ cooperates with the plant. The word ‘mutualism’ is used when both parties benefit from a cooperation.
The moulds are nested in between the plant’s roots and form an extension through so called ‘cords’. The cords that are formed by the mould, emerge in a gigantic and solid network, enabling a better intake of nutrients. In return, sugar is delivered by the plant. Sugars are needed by moulds in order to be able to grow. Due to this successful cooperation, mycorrhiza and plants have lived in symbiosis for decades. Thanks to the exchange of these two parties, a disease-preventing soil is created, in which not much, to no damage occurs despites the presence of pathogens.
What are the advantages of mycorrhiza?
Even though the presence of mycorrhiza is not believed to be crucial for the plant’s growth, the mould is able to fulfill important tasks for plants. These tasks are listed below:
- Protection of the roots (harmful moulds do not get space)
- Improved intake of nutrition and minerals
- Prevention of the plants drying out, due to better water storage within the plant
- Improved resistance against diseases
- Improved soil structure
- Possibility for cultivation with a lower EC
Types of mycorrhiza
Two types of mycorrhiza can be named, namely the endomycorrhiza and the ectomycorrhiza.
Endomycorrhiza
The VA mycorrhiza is the most common in this family of moulds. The insides of the plant can actually be reached by this endomycorrhiza. This because this specific mould’s process of ramification is believed to be even more detailed than this of the root hairs. Because of this, even plant cells and vessels are reached by these endomycorrhizas. They can be found through the entire soil’s surface and are able to reach the root cells of the plant. Due to the distance that can be covered by this mould, the capacity of the plant’s intake is enlarged. Thanks to its ramifications, more minerals and sugars are exchanged by the plant and the mycorrhiza.
Lastly, the storage of water is secured by mycorrhiza, which has a positive influence on the plant in times of drought, when the cultivator is forced to cultivate in a dyer manner.
Ectomycorrhiza
The location of this mycorrhiza is already revealed by the definition of the word ‘ecto, which means ‘outside’. The ectomycorrhiza can be found in the exterior layer of the root, but does not really get through to the vessels of the plant. Ectomycorrhiza on trees can be recognized by the form of mushrooms/fungus. Young plants are believed to benefit from the cooperation with ectomycorrhiza, since mycorrhiza grows along the roots from the start. Thanks to this, a maximal effect of the mould is ensured.