Should I Use Mycorrhizae in My Crops?
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In the quest for healthier, more productive crops, farmers are increasingly turning to nature for answers. One of the most powerful allies hiding in plain sight is fungi — specifically, mycorrhizal fungi, which form symbiotic relationships with plant roots. These microscopic organisms help plants access water and nutrients more efficiently, improve soil health, and even boost photosynthesis. This symbiosis has existed for millions of years.
But how exactly do they work — and should you be using them in your crops? Let’s explore the science and benefits behind this fascinating natural partnership.
What are mycorrhizal fungi?
Mycorrhiza is one of the most fascinating types of fungus that forms symbiotic associations in nature. In this relationship, a fungus and a plant form a mutually beneficial partnership: The fungus provides water and nutrients, while the plant supplies carbon produced through photosynthesis.
This alliance allows plants to access more nutrients and water from the soil, resulting in healthier, more efficient crops with higher yields.
Types of mycorrhizae
There are two main types of mycorrhizae:
- Ectomycorrhizae: In this type, fungal hyphae (which are little extensions formed by the fungus) form a sheath or “mantle” around the plant’s finer roots without penetrating the root cells. Instead, the hyphae grow between the cells in the root cortex. Ectomycorrhizae are especially common in trees and shrubs in forest ecosystems.
- Endomycorrhizae: More widespread than ectomycorrhizae, this type involves the fungal hyphae penetrating the root cortical cells. Inside, they form structures called arbuscules — the sites of nutrient exchange. They also sometimes form vesicles, which store nutrients. Endomycorrihizae can be classified as:
- Arbuscular Mycorrhizae (AM)
- Ericoid Mycorrhizae (ERM)
- Orchid Mycorrhizae (ORM)
- Arbutoid Mycorrhizae (ARM)
- Monotropid Mycorrhizae (MM)
- Ectendomycorrhizae (EEM)
How does the mycorrhizal symbiosis work?
The symbiotic interactions between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and roots are complex, genetically controlled processes that takes place in several stages:
- Initial contact: A dialogue, or exchange of signals, is established between the plant and the fungus before contact. Subsequently, the fungal hyphae adhere to the epidermal cells of the root.
- Arbuscule formation: Within the cells of the root cortex, the fungus forms arbuscules — specialized structures where nutrients from the soil are exchanged for sugars from the plant.
- Development of external hyphae: The fungus extends a network of hyphae into the soil, known as extramatrical mycelium. These fine, elastic filaments act like a transport highway, dramatically expanding the plant’s access to water and nutrients. For every meter of root, there may be 7 to 250 meters of these hyphae.
- Nutrient Transport: Nutrients like phosphorus are absorbed by the hyphae and stored in vesicles as polyphosphates. This method of phosphorus uptake is more efficient than what the plant performs on its own.
- Root system expansion: The fungus stimulates the plant to produce more auxins — a key plant hormone — and increases the number of new roots. This allows for more fungal connections and greater nutrient exchange.
- Enhanced photosynthesis: The symbiosis boosts the plant’s photosynthetic capacity, increasing CO₂ capture and enabling the plant to produce more sugars and biomass.
How do crops benefit from mycorrhizal symbiosis?
- Greater nutrient and water uptake: The extended hyphal network improves access to essential elements and moisture.
- Increased CO₂ capture and photosynthetic efficiency: Enhanced photosynthesis leads to more energy for growth and crop development.
- Improved water-use and nutrient-use efficiency: Plants produce more biomass with less water and fewer inputs.
- Enhanced root development and vegetative growth: A more extensive root system supports stronger, more vigorous plants.
- Reduced environmental impact: Better resource use means lower input requirements and less environmental strain.
A natural boost for crop performance
This symbiotic relationship not only improves plant health and productivity but also contributes to environmental sustainability. By capturing more CO₂, plants become more efficient and resilient. The improved root systems and nutrient pathways allow crops to thrive even under challenging conditions.
Mycorrhizal fungi are more than just soil organisms — they are essential partners in plant development. By forming intricate networks with roots, they help improve soil characteristics, enhance nutrient absorption, increase water efficiency and stimulate growth at all stages.
Incorporating mycorrhizae into your crop management strategy offers a sustainable, science-backed solution to maximize yields, optimize production costs and reduce environmental impact.
Want to see how a specific mycorrhizal fungus works in real-world farming? Learn about Glomus iranicum var. tenuihypharum and its unique benefits →
Many factors contribute to crop performance and return on investment. Products are intended to complement sound agronomic practices. Results may vary.