{"id":3585,"date":"2024-09-05T16:14:04","date_gmt":"2024-09-05T16:14:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bioera.es\/?p=3585"},"modified":"2025-02-17T17:03:55","modified_gmt":"2025-02-17T17:03:55","slug":"__trashed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bioera.es\/en\/__trashed\/","title":{"rendered":"When is the best time to apply mycorrhizae to crops?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

M ycorrhizae<\/a>, symbiotic associations between fungi and plant roots, arefundamental to improve nutrient and water uptake, as well as to increase tolerance to environmental stresses. To maximize the benefits of these associations,it is crucial to know the best time to apply mycorrhizae. This article explores theoptimal times to mycorrhizate, emphasizing the importance of doing so early in the lifeof plants. <\/p>\n\n

What are mycorrhizae?<\/h2>\n\n

Mycorrhizae are symbiotic relationships where fungi colonize plant roots.This interaction improves the uptake of nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen, and also helpsplants to better tolerate water stress, heat stress, salt stress, soil diseasesand insect attack.<\/p>\n\n

Importance of applying mycorrhizae at the right time<\/h2>\n\n

Applying mycorrhizae at the right time is crucial to establish an effective relationshipbetween the fungus and the plant. The optimal times for mycorrhizae are those when theplant roots are most active and capable of forming new associations. It isimportant to understand that mycorrhizae associate with new roots. <\/p>\n\n

Best times to mycorrhizate<\/h2>\n\n

During Planting<\/h3>\n\n

One of the best times to apply mycorrhizae is at the beginning of a plant’slife, during planting. At this stage, young roots are in fullgrowth and are more receptive to colonization by mycorrhizal fungi. <\/p>\n\n

Application Methods:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

\u25cf Seed inoculation<\/strong>: Mix the mycorrhizal inoculant with the seeds prior tosowing. This ensures that the emerging roots come into immediate contact with thefungi.\u25cf Seedline application<\/strong>: Apply the inoculant directly where the seeds will be sown. <\/p>\n\n

During Transplantation<\/h3>\n\n

Another ideal time for mycorrhizal colonization is during the transplanting of plants from the nurseryto the field. Plants at this stage have young root systems that are stilldeveloping, which facilitates mycorrhizal colonization. <\/p>\n\n

Application Methods:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

\u25cf Dipping Roots in Inoculant<\/strong>: Before planting, dip the roots ofseedlings in a solution of mycorrhizal inoculant.\u25cf Application in Planting Hole<\/strong>: Place the inoculant inthe hole where the plant will be transplanted.<\/p>\n\n

At the Start of the Growing Season<\/h3>\n\n

Applying mycorrhizae at the beginning of the growing season, when plants start theirvegetative cycle, can be very beneficial. At this stage, such as sprouting, plants arestarting to develop new roots and can establish mycorrhizal relationships inan effective way. In established or adult plantations, it is advisable to choose thisphenological moment. <\/p>\n\n

Application Methods:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

\u25cf Irrigation with Inoculant<\/strong>: Mix mycorrhizal inoculant with water and apply viairrigation at the base of the plants.\u25cf Granule Application<\/strong>: Spread mycorrhizal granules around the plants andirrigate to ensure they are incorporated and come in contact with the roots.<\/p>\n\n

During Soil Preparation<\/h3>\n\n

In certain cases, applying mycorrhizae during soil preparation prior to planting or transplantingcan also be effective. This allows the inoculant to be distributedevenly in the soil and ready to come into contact with the young roots asthey grow. <\/p>\n\n

Application Methods:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

\u25cf Mix with Compost or Compost<\/strong>: Incorporate the mycorrhizal inoculant into the compost orcompost before applying it to the soil.<\/p>\n\n

\u25cf Direct Soil Application<\/strong>: Spread the inoculant on the prepared soil andmix it lightly with the topsoil.<\/p>\n\n

Factors to consider for a successful application<\/h2>\n\n

Crop Compatibility<\/h3>\n\n

Ensuring that the type of mycorrhiza is compatible with the crop is crucial. Arbuscular mycorrhizaeare suitable for most (over 90%) of agricultural crops, while ectomycorrhizaeare more specific for forest species. <\/p>\n\n

Inoculant Quality<\/h3>\n\n

Using a high quality inoculant with a high concentration of mycorrhizal fungal sporesensures effective and beneficial colonization.<\/p>\n\n

Soil Conditions<\/h3>\n\n

It is important to consider soil conditions when applying mycorrhizae. A well aerated soilwith good structure facilitates the establishment of mycorrhizae. <\/p>\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

The best time to apply mycorrhizae is at the beginning of a plant’s life, or at atime when many new roots are being emitted. Either by coating theseeds, during planting, transplanting, at the beginning of the growing season (sprouting) orduring soil preparation. Applying mycorrhizae at these specific timesmaximizes the likelihood of successful colonization and ensures that plants canfully benefit from this symbiotic association. By understanding and correctly applyingthese principles, growers can improve the health and performance of theircrops in a sustainable manner. <\/p>\n\n

<\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
El\u00edas Mart\u00ednezAgricultural Engineer and Product Technician<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

M ycorrhizae, symbiotic associations between fungi and plant roots, arefundamental to improve nutrient and water uptake, as well as to increase tolerance to environmental stresses. To maximize the benefits of these associations,it is crucial to know the best time to apply mycorrhizae. This article explores theoptimal times to mycorrhizate, emphasizing the importance of doing so […]\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3570,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[69],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3585","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mycorrhizae"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bioera.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3585","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bioera.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bioera.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bioera.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bioera.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3585"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/bioera.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3585\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4218,"href":"https:\/\/bioera.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3585\/revisions\/4218"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bioera.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3570"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bioera.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3585"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bioera.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3585"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bioera.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3585"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}