Between the three executive directors of Mycoroot there is over 50 years research experience and expertise in the specialized field of all mycorrhizal fungi and their associations. They have a broad background in Mycology, Plant Pathology, Microbiology and Botany and maintain their research interests in order to stay abreast on new and developing technologies.

Have any question or queries… ASK THE SCIENTISTS

Photos on this page are of spores and root colonization

• Client: Can I see AM fungi on my plant roots?

Scientist: Unfortunately not, AM fungi do not form structures which are visible to the naked eye. In order to see these fungi associating with your plant root they have to be specially treated in the laboratory and than examined under a high powered compound microscope.

• Client: On which part of the plant will I find AM fungi?

Scientist: AM fungi only occurs on secondary or feeder roots of plants, colonising just above the growing root tips.

• Client: Do AM fungi colonise seeds?

Scientist: No they only occur on roots and are not found growing from seeds or on the seed coat.

• Client: Is the white fluff that looks like cotton wool that I have seen on some germinating seeds AM fungi?

Scientist: No AM fungi do not grow in this manner and this white fluff is probably another type of fungus which is not mycorrhizal.

• Client: Does Mycoroot have a water soluble product?

Scientist: No Mycoroot does not have such a product. A water soluble product would need to be based on AM fungal spores only. These spores are fairly large, for a fungus, and are filled with lipids making them difficult to maintain in suspension.

• Client: Can I mix the Mycoroot product with water and spray my plants with it?

Scientist: No this would be a waste of AM fungi. These fungi need to be incorporated into the soil where a growing root can come into contact with the product.

• Client: Why do you emphasis purity in your product?

Scientist: Mycoroot places a premium on high quality, the product is 100% AM fungi and is not mixed with other root stimulants that can compromise the response.

• Client: Do AM fungi require an external carbon source?

Scientist: Remember this is a symbiotic fungus which relies solely on the plant for it carbon and energy, therefore humic or fulvic acids do not contribute to the growth of AM fungi.

• Client: Are you still required to fertilize even if you have applied Mycoroot?

Scientist: Yes, the beauty of Mycoroot is that you can manage your nutrient requirements in a more sustainable manner by reducing your inputs and using these more effectively.

• Client: Is it better to utilize organic fertilizers?

Scientist: This is a complex question, organic fertilizers are recommended for improving soil structure but plants can only access nutrients that are in solution. The origin of these nutrients (inorganic or organic) is not important to the plant. However, if nutrients are not in solution AM fungi contribute to making these nutrients available.

• Client: Which pesticides and fungicides can I use with Mycoroot?

Scientist: Some agrochemicals can be harmful to AM fungi while others have either no effect or a stimulatory effect. Contact Mycoroot to discuss compatibility and alternative products.

Send mail to webmaster@mycoroot.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2006 Mycoroot (Pty) Ltd
Last modified: 12/05/06