Mycorrhizae, also known as “fungus root”, is a valuable addition to any organic cannabis garden. This symbiotic relationship between the fungi and plant roots improves growth, tolerance against stress and disease, and the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients and water. Mycorrhizae can be found in various soil types and are available in two main forms: endomycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal.
Introduction to Mycorrhizal Fungi
Mycorrhizal fungi are microorganisms that exist naturally in the soil and act in a symbiotic relationship with plants to promote their growth. They increase a plant’s tolerance to stress and disease and improve the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients and water from the soil. There are two main types of Mycorrhizal fungi: endomycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal fungi. Endomycorrhizal fungi are the most beneficial for cannabis plants, as they are herbaceous.
Benefits of Mycorrhizae for Cannabis Plants
Using Mycorrhizae can prevent cannabis plant’s deficiencies and provide the following benefits:
- Improved cannabis yield
- Enhanced quality of organic cannabis
- Increased water uptake
- Increased nutrient uptake
- Restoration of damaged roots
- Strengthening of the cannabis root system
Mycorrhizae provides many benefits to the roots of cannabis plants, including improved root health and increased nutrient uptake. By forming a symbiotic relationship with the roots of the plant, mycorrhizae fungi increase the surface area of the roots and allow the plant to absorb more nutrients and water from the soil. In turn, the plant provides the fungus with sugars produced through photosynthesis. This mutualistic relationship is beneficial to both the plant and the fungus and helps to increase the overall health and yield of the cannabis crop.
Mycorrhizae can also help to restore damaged roots. In cases where the roots have been damaged by disease or physical injury, mycorrhizae can help to promote the growth of new roots and improve the overall health of the plant. This can be especially helpful for cannabis crops grown in soil that is low in nutrients, as the increased nutrient uptake provided by the mycorrhizae can help the plant to recover more quickly.
Benefits of Mycorrhizae for Cannabis Roots
Another benefit of mycorrhizae for cannabis roots is improved disease resistance. By forming a protective layer around the roots, mycorrhizae can help to prevent the entry of harmful pathogens and improve the overall health of the root system. This can lead to a reduction in the incidence of root diseases and an increase in overall crop health and yield.
How Does Mycorrhizae Increase Water and Nutrient Uptake?
Mycorrhizal fungi form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, providing the plant with water, nutrients, and increased root growth in exchange for sugars produced through photosynthesis. The fungal hyphae extend far beyond the root system, allowing the plant to access more water and nutrients from the soil. The increased surface area of the roots also enables greater water uptake, leading to a more resilient and healthier plant. In this way, mycorrhizae can help to increase water uptake and improve the overall health and quality of cannabis plants.
How Does Mycorrhizae Restore Damaged Cannabis Roots?
Mycorrhizae can help restore the damaged roots of cannabis plants by forming a symbiotic relationship with the plant roots. The fungus provides the plant with essential nutrients and minerals, while the plant provides the fungus with energy from photosynthesis. In turn, the mycorrhizal fungus helps to increase the root surface area, which allows for increased water and nutrient uptake. The improved uptake of nutrients and water can help the damaged roots to recover and become stronger.
Additionally, mycorrhizal fungi produce enzymes that help to break down organic matter and release nutrients into the soil, making them available for the plant to absorb. The fungus also acts as a protective layer around the roots, shielding them from pathogens and improving overall root health. In this way, mycorrhizae can play an important role in restoring damaged roots and promoting the overall health of a cannabis plant.
The Best Mycorrhizae Strain for Growing Cannabis
The best mycorrhizae strain for cannabis is rhizophagus irregularis. In a recent study, the use of rhizophagus irregularis led to a 30% increase in growth and better survival rates in cannabis plants compared to those without the added fungi [1].
Methods of Mycorrhizae Application
There are three main methods of applying mycorrhizae to cannabis plants: mixing in growing media, application through planting holes, and rootball coating. For best results, it is recommended to apply mycorrhizae in the earlier growth stages of the plant when the roots are still young and not as thick.
Mixing in Growing Media
This method involves mixing the inoculant into the plant’s growing media. Simply add the recommended amount of mycorrhizae product to the soil and mix thoroughly. For larger areas, a soil mixer can be used.
Application through Planting Hole
When transplanting a cannabis plant, simply add the recommended amount of mycorrhizae product to the bottom of the planting hole. This will help the plant grow more quickly.
Rootball Coating
To apply mycorrhizae through rootball coating, put the product in a container large enough for the plant’s rootball. Gently dampen the soil and roll the rootball in the container, allowing the product to attach to the roots. Alternatively, sprinkle the product directly on the roots to avoid waste.
5 Main Kinds of Mycorrhizal Fungi
There are five main kinds of mycorrhizal fungi: ectomycorrhizal, arbuscular mycorrhizal, orchid mycorrhizal, ericoid mycorrhizal, and monotropoid mycorrhizal fungi.
- Ectomycorrhizal fungi form a protective layer around the roots of certain tree species, such as pine and oak. They exchange nutrients, such as phosphorous, for photosynthetically produced carbohydrates from the plant.
- Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are found in the soil and penetrate the root cells of the plant, forming structures called arbuscules. These fungi improve the plant’s ability to absorb essential nutrients, such as phosphorous, from the soil.
- Orchid mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with orchids, providing them with the necessary nutrients to grow. In return, the orchids provide the fungi with energy through photosynthesis.
- Ericoid mycorrhizal fungi form associations with plants in nutrient-poor, acidic soils, such as those found in heaths and bogs. These fungi are able to decompose organic matter and provide essential nutrients to the plant.
- Monotropoid mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with plants in the Monotropoideae plant family. These fungi do not produce fruiting bodies and are entirely dependent on their plant host for energy and nutrients.
Each of these five main kinds of mycorrhizal fungi has unique relationships with plants, allowing them to thrive in different environments and soil conditions. Understanding the role of mycorrhizal fungi in plant growth and health is crucial for successful horticulture and agriculture practices.
Final Words
In conclusion, mycorrhizal fungi play a crucial role in enhancing the growth and health of cannabis plants. These fungi form a symbiotic relationship with the plant roots, providing essential nutrients and water in exchange for photosynthetic products from the plant. With five main kinds of mycorrhizal fungi, it is crucial to choose the right strain for your cannabis plants.
Rhizophagus irregularis has proven to be the best strain, with numerous benefits for the plant’s growth and health. To achieve the best results, it is recommended to apply the mycorrhizal fungi in the form of a powder or liquid to young plants through one of the three methods: root dipping, soil drenching, or soil inoculation. By using mycorrhizal fungi, cannabis growers can improve the overall health and yields of their plants.
References
- Heidarianpour, M.B., Aliasgharzad, N. & Olsson, P.A. Positive effects of co-inoculation with Rhizophagus irregularis and Serendipita indica on tomato growth under saline conditions, and their individual colonization estimated by signature lipids. Mycorrhiza 30, 455–466 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00572-020-00962-y
