Brian Jarvis Ask the Master Gardener
Fungal diseases of plants are always a problem, but especially this spring during the monsoon season. Many of you have probably started to see powdery mildew and other moisture-related diseases on some of your plants. However, as we learn more about soil chemistry, we are beginning to understand the relationship between plant roots and fungi, specifically a type of fungus called mycorrhizae.
Mycorrhizae means “fungal root” and refers to the fungi that form an association with the roots of plants that benefits both. Because of this dependency, mycorrhizal fungi cannot survive long periods without a plant to live in.
At the risk of getting too technical, there are two types of mycorrhizae: ectomycorrhizae and endomycorrhizae.
Ectomycorrhizae are present in the tips of young, tender roots and penetrate the outer walls of root cells. Endomycorrhizae penetrate plant roots and live and grow within the plant. Explain how the mutually beneficial relationship between the two types of mycorrhizae works.
Anyone else reading this…
Mycorrhizae cannot produce their own carbohydrates, so they extract the carbohydrates they need from the host plant. Instead, they absorb nutrients from the soil and pass them on to the plant.
Mycorrhizae have little parts called hyphae that extend into the soil. These hyphae are similar to roots in that they are much smaller than plant roots. In most cases, the diameter of hyphae is about 1/60th the size of a small plant root. Because of their small size, hyphae are able to absorb nutrients in ways that plant roots cannot. This is also great for plants, as it helps increase their ability to absorb nitrogen, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, and copper.
As an added benefit, mycorrhizae not only increase plants' drought tolerance, but also help increase crop production, promote flowering, and finally improve soil structure.
Mycorrhizae are thought to be beneficial to about 90% of all plant species, and instead of listing that 90%, here are some plants that don't seem to benefit from mycorrhizae: azalea, blueberries, beets, broccoli, cabbage/kale, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, carnation, cranberry, cauliflower, mustard, huckleberry, rhododendron, spinach, and sedge.
You can buy mycorrhizal fungus additives for your garden, but they are not usually necessary, as mycorrhizal fungi are present in most soils. However, if you have had a soil test done and found the soil nutrient levels to be adequate, but your plants are not growing, it is not a bad idea to use a small amount of commercial mycorrhizal fungus. These supplements are available in the form of powders, granules, or liquid solutions. To supplement or not to supplement, that is the question. But hopefully, you now have an idea. Best of luck!
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To get answers to all your gardening questions, call the Tulsa Master Gardeners Helpline at 918-746-3701, visit the Diagnostic Center at 4116 E. 15th St., or email us at mg@tulsamastergardeners.org.
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