Plant Success Orca

Plant Success Orca Questions & Answers

What is mycorrhizae?
Mycorrhizae literally means fungus root and describes the mutually beneficial relationship between plants and mycorrhizal fungi. These tiny fungi aid in absorbing nutrients and water and feed them to the plant in exchange for sugars. In nature, 90% of plants on earth have been growing in a symbiotic relationship with these mighty soil fungi for hundreds of years. In fact, it is believed that a mycorrhizal network in southern Oregon may be the largest single organism on planet Earth.

What does mycorrhizae do for my plants?
Once established, mycorrhizae will enhance the surface area on a root system. This results in a plant better able to absorb nutrients and water from the soil. Plants treated with mycorrhizae have enhanced drought tolerance and vigor.

What plants need mycorrhizae?
Mycorrhizae have a symbiotic relationship with around 90% of the world’s plants. For a list of mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants.

How do I apply it to my plants?
The most important thing when applying any mycorrhizal inoculum is to make sure that the mycorrhizal product touches the roots of the plant. This ensures that the spores (seeds of the fungus) touch the roots and germinate the spores. Specific application rates can be found on our product pages.

Why are there so many different species of mycorrhizae in your products?
Our blends contain a variety of mycorrhizal species so that they work with a variety of plant types. This ensures that no matter what you are planting, our blends will contain a mycorrhizal species that will be beneficial to your plants’roots. Also, plants can form relationships with more than one type of mycorrhizae depending on soil conditions. So, once again, a variety of hardy mycorrhizal species is preferred for germination.

What is trichoderma?
Trichoderma is a natural occurring fungi found in undisturbed soils. It has been found to enhance the uptake of a variety of nutrients to a plant’s root system.

What are beneficial bacteria?
Beneficial bacteria in nature provide a number of benefits to both soil and plants. Specifically, the microbes will minimize nutrient leaching, aid in nutrient cycling and absorption, enhance soil structure, solubilize minerals (including phosphorous) for plant availability and enhance seed germination. Research has shown that beneficial bacteria are most effective when used in combination with beneficial mycorrhizal fungi.

Does mycorrhizae work with phosphorus fertilizer?
A main function of mycorrhizae is phosphorus uptake. However, when there is too much phosphorus present, the mycorrhizae will stop germinating. This is why it is important to get a good mycorrhizal colonization established before applying high phosphorous fertilizers during the flowering phase.

What is the advantage of having more than one strain of mycorrhizae?
Field testing and independent research have demonstrated that having multiple species of mycorrhizae present compared to a single species enhances roots. Some aid in nutrient uptake while others assist in acquiring water. We include the most diverse mix of mycorrhizal species to make sure your plants have the opportunity to thrive!

Can I use synthetic fertilizers with your product?
Yes, it is perfectly fine to use synthetic fertilizers with mycorrhizae.

Is mycorrhizae beneficial with trichoderma?
Yes, studies have shown that having trichoderma (konigii and harzianum) and mycorrhizae present in the same environment are beneficial to plants.

Do mycorrhizae drown?
No, mycorrhizae spores are dormant and float in suspension. They are not metabolically active and don’t need oxygen until roots are present, at which point they will germinate and need oxygen and sugars from the root to grow.