Roots Matter – The Dynamics of Mycorrhiza

Mycorrhizal fungi, or mycorrhiza, are beneficial fungi that live in
symbiosis with plants. In order for this symbiosis to take place, there
must be direct contact between plant roots and the fungus. Applying early
on you can see the difference in plant vigor and growth.

The benefits of mycorrhiza continue to prove themselves throughout plant
evolution. Nearly 400 million years ago when plants moved from the ocean to
land, they did not have a root system. Plants relied on fungi in order to
absorb crucial nutrients and water for survival. These fungi were the
plant’s root systems before plants actually developed root systems
themselves.

This symbiotic relationship continued well after plants had established
root systems. Some plants even require mycorrhizal fungi to grow optimally;
this is known as an obligate mycotrophy. While cannabis can grow without
mycorrhizal fungi, it is widely considered an obligate mycotroph, which
means partnering with these fungi will certainly contribute to maximizing
the plant’s genetic potential.

I wanted to bring you more insights into this fascinating world of
mycorrhizal fungi and sat down with the team at DYNOMYCO™ Inoculants in
order to better understand this plant-fungal symbiosis and why fungi are so
important for cannabis growers. Before we get into that let’s get a better
understanding of what mycorrhizae actually are.
[image: The difference in root development is astounding [photo by
DYNOMYCO]]

The difference in root development is astounding [photo by DYNOMYCO]



*Understanding* *Mycorrhizae*

The earliest evidence of this plant-fungal symbiosis dates back 407 million
years and is known as mycorrhiza, which in Latin literally translates to
fungus root (myco = fungus and rhiza = root ).

There are five types of mycorrhizal fungi on the planet that are currently
known to scientists. Each plays a key role in nature, associating with only
specific plants at times and at others with a wide array of plants. Only
one is beneficial to cannabis and that is the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
(AMF) and within this category even fewer actually associate with cannabis.

AMF is the most common of all fungi and is associated with approximately
90% of all plants on earth. These fungi literally penetrate cell roots and
create a network within the root and outside of it. The fungus creates a
branching structure, an arbuscule, within the plant cell where
carbohydrates from photosynthesis are exchanged for nutrients, water, and
minerals brought by the fungi. These fungi do not produce any fruiting
bodies and reproduce asexually below ground.

This symbiotic relationship is fairly simple. The plant supplies the fungi
with carbohydrates and in return, the fungus provides the plant with the
necessary nutrients it needs. The more the plant needs nutrients the more
carbohydrates it will send down to the fungi. With cannabis plants, this
exchange is done inside the cell root in the arbuscules.



*Cannabis Co-Evolved With Fungi*

Before the legal changes that began in 1996, most cannabis cultivation was
done indoors and away from the eyes of neighbors (unless you were in
Humboldt county). Growers relied heavily on technological advances in
lighting, ventilation, and various hydroponics systems.

Growing was done indoors and not out in the open; growers relied on bagged
growing media for their substrate. The majority of packaged growing media
arrives at our doorstep after being sterilized. “Kill off all the bad guys
along with the good guys and feed the plants the essential NPK and a few
other microelements and you’ll be good” was the approach that many growers
used. There’s been a shift in thought over recent years and many growers
are now leaning towards a living soil method by using the soil food web and
taking advantage of the various microbes in the soil. As Jeff Lowenfels’
books suggest, we need to be “Teaming with Fungi” and “Teaming with
Microbes” and the reason is simple. Nature knows what to do best. Mimic it
and you’ll get promising returns.

When cannabis was illegal, no real scientific studies and trials were done
on the efficacy of the growing techniques and methods in terms of what
affects the plants and the phytochemicals, terpenes, cannabinoids, and
flavonoids. With the advances of science and the fact that cannabis is now
legal in many states, more and more growers have the opportunity to dive
into real scientific research. One of these fields of research is the soil
science aspect and the delicate interaction between plants and the soil
microbes in which the plants grow.

*The Benefits of Mycorrhizal Associations*

There are many benefits of utilizing fungi in your cannabis garden.
Firstly, a larger root surface allows the plant to absorb nutrients,
minerals, and water from a greater area. In nature, the mycelial network
can extend for miles and connect between multiple plant species! A larger
root surface area will help in many things, amongst them is transplant
shock and death rates which are much lower when mycorrhizae are present
compared to when there is no symbiosis.

Secondly, there is increased nutrient uptake. With an increased surface
area, plants can now absorb more nutrients and water than without the
mycorrhizal association. This means reduced fertilizer inputs and higher
yields. In addition, the AMF not only helps with the basic NPK but also
with the absorption of microelements such as iron, zinc, and manganese.

Other benefits include Increased phosphorous absorption. Mycorrhizal fungi
secrete unique enzymes that free up phosphorous molecules and transport
them to the plants in an available form. This is especially beneficial
since roughly 85% of phosphorous in the soil is unavailable for plants.
Once it’s flower time and fertilizing program changes, nitrogen levels go
down and phosphorous levels go up in order to increase the size of the
buds. With the help of mycorrhizae, the plants will already be enjoying
increased phosphorus levels compared to non-inoculated plants.

Using fungi also creates a living rhizosphere. Life brings life, it’s as
simple as that. When adding a biological element to a growing operation it
tends to create more life. The addition of mycorrhizae will help other
microbes thrive, for instance, bacteria. The hyphae literally create a
superhighway for the bacteria to move around on. These bacteria also play
pivotal roles, from nitrogen fixation all the way to plant protection. This
living rhizosphere creates a new ecosystem where all the organisms benefit
from the presence of one another and help each other compared to a lifeless
inert media with only synthetic inputs added.

Fungi can also serve as a defense mechanism. With the help of this hyphal
network surrounding the roots, plant pathogens have a much harder time
attacking the plant. Research has shown that mycorrhizal fungi can help
combat certain soil-borne pathogens, amongst them are Fusarium, Pythium,
parasitic nematodes, and others.

Plants with a mycorrhizal association have a higher stress tolerance
because the presence of the fungi lowers the salinity (EC) of the soil and
therefore affects the pH and EC levels making the soil more suitable for
plants to live in. In addition, the plants are more drought-tolerant
because mycorrhizal plants are able to “reach” larger distances in search
of water. The hyphae extend well beyond the rhizosphere and spread out into
areas that plant roots can’t access.

Finally, mycorrhiza also produces glomalin, which is a glue-like component
secreted by the fungi that help bind soil particles together to prevent
soil erosion as well as improve soil stability. Scientists are seeing a
correlation between the presence of glomalin and the primary productivity
of an ecosystem. It is the foundation of all ecosystems so to speak and the
absence of fungi will create an imbalance in the entire ecological system.
If you are attempting to grow in a no-till, regenerative approach,
mycorrhizal fungi should be the first thing to add to your garden.

*Application of Mycorrhizal Fungi*

There are several ways to introduce mycorrhizal fungi to your grow
operation. The earlier in the plant’s life the better, the simpler the
application and the higher chance for successful inoculation. The younger
the plant is, the greater the impact of mycorrhiza. As the plant matures,
the tougher it is to guarantee inoculation. The older the roots are, the
more they thicken and harden, making it difficult for the fungi to
penetrate. Since the fungi must reach young, penetrable roots that are
found at the bottom of the pot or at a greater distance from the stem, the
application is more complex and the impact much lower than with young
plants. Below are several of the application methods we recommend using.
[image: Treated with Mycorrhiza vs not treated [image by DYNOMYCO]]

Treated with Mycorrhiza vs not treated [image by DYNOMYCO]

1. *Mixing your inoculant into the growing media*: This method of
inoculation is simple and very convenient. Apply the product at the rate on
the label, mix it uniformly into your media and you’re good to go. This
method assures you that the fungi is spread out in

the soil and will be in close proximity once the roots grow out in search
of food. If working in a large-scale facility, a soil mixer saves time and
is ideal for mixing, especially if you’ve got thousands of plants.
[image: Ready for planting [image by DYNOMYCO]]

Ready for planting [image by DYNOMYCO]

2. *Planting hole application*: If you transplant your plants, apply
mycorrhizal inoculants at every transplant. Simply place your inoculant at
the bottom of the planting hole at the recommended rates and you’re done.
This will help reduce transplant shock.
[image: Preparing the soil [image by DYNOMYCO]]

Preparing the soil [image by DYNOMYCO]


3. *Rootball dusting/coating*: This is done when your plant is ready to
be transferred. Place some of your inoculants in a large enough container
to fit the rootball of your plant. Wet your soil a bit, then roll the
rootball in the inoculant so that it covers the sides and bottom uniformly.
Another option is to sprinkle it onto the wet rootball if you want to
conserve the product.

There are many ways to grow cannabis, and many inputs you can add to the
mix. The addition of mycorrhizal fungi to your growing media should be a
staple regardless of the fertilizer or input you use. This, in turn, will
result in benefits that can be easily identified and clearly seen.


[image: Rootball dusting / Coating [Image by DYNOMYCO]]

Rootball dusting / Coating [Image by DYNOMYCO]

*Mycorrhizal Fungi and Sustainable Agriculture*

With the addition of mycorrhizal fungi and the increased ability to absorb
nutrients and water, many times a reduction in fertilizer usage and
watering can be attained. The team at DYNOMYCO™ researched trials on
various plants including cannabis, where, through the use of fungi,
fertilizer rates were reduced by 30%, and at the same time yields have
increased of 25-30% compared to the standard 100% fertilization program.
This is especially important since current agricultural and growing
practices rely mostly on synthetic and mineral fertilizers. These minerals
have to be mined from various rock formations around the world and are
declining rapidly, most notably, phosphorous. Phosphorous is mined from
phosphate rock, which scientists believe will reach peak levels in 2030,
and afterward, the production will decline until we run out of it
completely. The top five phosphorous producing countries produce
approximately 90% of the world's entire supply. Approximately 90% of the
phosphorous given to plants remains locked in the soil, bound to either
calcium (Ca) ions in calcareous high pH soil or to iron (Fe) and aluminum
(Al) oxides at low pH. Therefore, the implementation of mycorrhizal fungi
in soils is important not just for increasing yields and for healthier
plants, but for better use and efficiency of our entire agricultural system.

* This video shows the dramatic difference early inoculation with
Mycorrhizal Fungi makes.*

*5 Known Types of Mycorrhizal Fungi *

* Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF):* The most common of all fungi. AMF
associate with approximately 90% of all plants on earth. These fungi
literally penetrate cell roots and create a network within the root and
outside of it. The fungus creates an arbuscule within the plant cell where
carbohydrates from photosynthesis are exchanged for nutrients, water, and
minerals brought by the fungi. These fungi do not produce any fruiting
bodies and reproduce asexually below ground.

*Ectomycorrhizal Fungi (ECM): *This group of mycorrhizal fungi associate
with around 5% of plant species on the planet, mainly with hardwood trees
such as Birch, Oak, Pine, Douglas Fir, and others. ECM surround the roots
of plants but do not penetrate them like AMF and the exchange between fungi
and host is different. ECM reproduce sexually via fruiting bodies, better
known as mushrooms. Examples of these are the culinary delicacy truffles
and porcini and the infamous *Amanita* mushrooms. It’s important to note
that ECM does not associate with cannabis plants as they are not hardwoods.

*Orchid mycorrhizae: *The name gives it away. These fungi associate only
with the *Orchidaceae *family and play a very important role at the
germination stage when the young plant requires carbon provided to it by
the fungus.

*Ericoid mycorrhizae: *These fungi are found in acidic and nutrient-poor
soils such as heathlands, bogs, and forests. This group of fungi has the
ability to breakdown organic forms of nitrogen which can be limited where
large quantities of ericaceous plants are found. These fungi are found on
almost all continents except for Antarctica.

*Monotropoid mycorrhizae: *These fungi associate with plants that rely
solely on the mycorrhizal association as their carbon source. This type of
fungus, as well as these types of plants, are found in coniferous/mixed
coniferous forests with very little low light levels.