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What are mycorrhizae?

Intra and extra-root spore stained with Cotton Blue

Mycorrhizal fungi have been essential partners in plant health for over 450 million years. They form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, offering benefits like enhanced growth, improved resistance to stress, and better soil quality. In landscaping—especially for trees, shrubs, and other plants—mycorrhizae are vital for achieving superior results. 

The Early Symbiosis: Mycorrhizae and Plant Survival

As plants began to emerge onto dry land, they faced a harsh environment with limited access to water and nutrients. To survive, plants formed partnerships with mycorrhizal fungi, allowing them to access vital resources that would otherwise be out of reach. This ancient relationship was crucial for plant adaptation and has paved the way for the plant diversity we see today. 

Understanding Mycorrhizae: Nature’s Root System Extension

Benefits of Mycorrhizae 

Mycorrhizae offer a wide range of benefits to plants, making them essential for healthy landscaping. Here are some key advantages: 

  • Improved nutrient uptake: Enhances the absorption of water, phosphorus, and other essential minerals. 
  • Stronger root systems: Promotes better root growth, improving plant stability. 
  • Increased drought resistance: Helps plants survive in water-scarce conditions. 
  • Improved soil structure: The production of glomalin binds soil particles, improving soil aeration and water retention. 
  • Reduced transplant shock: Helps new plants establish faster and with less stress. 
  • Better nutrient cycling: Supports overall soil health, which enhances long-term plant growth. 

How Mycorrhizae Colonize Roots

Understanding how mycorrhizae establish their symbiotic relationship with plant roots provides insight into the benefits they offer. Let's take a closer look at the stages of colonization, from spore germination to the expansion of the hyphal network, which ultimately increases the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients and water from the soil. 

Spore germination 

This mutually beneficial symbiosis between mycorrhizal fungi and plant roots begins with spore germination.   

Root Penetration 

The thread-like structures, called hyphae, penetrate the roots, creating an internal network of vesicles and arbuscules for nutrient exchange.  

Hyphal Network Expansion 

Thanks to the carbon supply produced by enhanced photosynthesis, the hyphae create a network in the soil, increasing the nutrient and water absorption area of the plant up to 100 times.  

Increased Nutrient and Water Absorption 

This vast network acts as a second root system, enabling the plant to reach nutrients and water previously inaccessible in the soil.

Types of Mycorrhizae

Mycorrhizae are classified into two types, each supporting plant growth in different ways. Ectomycorrhizae grow between root cells, while endomycorrhizae penetrate root cells. Both types establish a network that enhances nutrient and water exchange, improving plant resilience and supporting overall soil health.  

Endomycorrhizae

Microscope view of endomycorrhizae
These fungi penetrate plant root cells, creating a network that facilitates nutrient and water exchange. Rhizophagus irregularis (PTB297 technology) is an example, benefiting 80% of plants.

Ectomycorrhizae

Microscope view of ectomycorrhizae
These fungi grow between root cells, forming a protective fungal mantle. They support 5-7% of plants, especially trees like pines, willows, and oaks.

Advantages of Combining Endo and Ecto Mycorrhizae

  • Broader Application: Combining both types ensures that a wide variety of plants, including trees, receive optimal support. 
  • Flexibility: Professional landscapers don’t need to worry about plant-specific limitations. The different fungi types will colonize the appropriate plants without harm. 
  • Maximized Plant Health: The combination results in stronger root systems, better nutrient uptake, and higher stress resistance. 

Mycorrhizae and Soil Structure: The Role of Glomalin

Mycorrhizae help improve not only plant health but also soil quality. The mycelium produces glomalin, a glycoprotein that binds soil particles together. This creates soil aggregates, enhancing soil structure by:

  • Improving water retention
  • Increasing air permeability
  • Preventing soil erosion
  • A well-structured soil promotes root growth, microbial activity, and nutrient cycling, all contributing to healthier plants and more resilient landscapes.

Mycorrhizae for Landscapers: Maximizing Efficiency and Results 

Mycorrhizae offer landscapers key benefits, including faster plant establishment, reduced transplant shock, and improved soil health, leading to fewer returns to the job site and lower plant losses. With improved root systems and better nutrient uptake, mycorrhizae help ensure cost-effective, sustainable landscaping. 

Premier Tech's mycorrhizae stand out due to their rigorous quality control and high spore viability, ensuring efficient plant colonization. Its proprietary PTB297 technology (Rhizophagus irregularis) delivers superior performance through advanced production processes. By combining endo- and ectomycorrhizae in select products, Premier Tech broadens their application across a variety of plant species, all while maintaining the highest standards of efficacy and consistency, making them the perfect solution for enhancing the success of landscaping projects. 

For more information on Premier Tech's mycorrhizae, visit the AGTIV® REACH™ Technology Page and discover their Mycorrhizal Products Offering.