All you need to know about Mycorrhiza:

What is Mycorrhiza?
What was SYMBIVIT® endomycorrhiza developed for?
Why use SYMBIVIT® endomycorrhiza?
Additional information on SYMBIVIT®
Where is Mycorrhiza found?
Why is this network of fibers so important?
How do we get mycorrhiza?
Is mycorrhiza a fertilizer?
Why Would I use Mycorrhiza?
Why is all this so important?
Highlights of Mycorrhizal treatment

What is Mycorrhiza?(back to top)
The term mycorrhiza refers to a group of beneficial soil fungi that form a symbiotic relationship with plants. Mycorrhizal fungi inoculate and colonize the plant’s roots producing microscopic fibers called hyphae. These hyphae grow and form a vast network in the soil reaching places where normal roots would not fit. This network, called mycelium, increases the roots ability to absorb water and nutrients helping the plant to grow stronger, yield more and better fruits and blooms while resisting better environmental and pathogenic stresses. Mycorrhiza, in return, receives carbohydrates from the plants’ photosynthesis process. This symbiotic relationship is prevalent in nature. Some scientists even state that the majority of plants, strictly speaking, do not have roots, they have mycorrhizas.

Mycorrhizal fungi play a critical role in the health and productivity of over 90 percent of the Earth’s wild plants, and have done so for hundreds of millions of years. Their urban counter parts, however, aren’t so lucky. In today’s man-made landscape, plants and crops are often denied this helpful ally and important component of soil chemistry. As of today, there are three types of mycorrhiza commercially available: Endomycorrhiza, Ecto-mycorrhiza and Ericoid mycorrhiza. Each of these strains of the beneficial fungus is used exclusively by certain species of plant. On the other hand, because of their root structure, a few plants do not allow a mycorrhizal relationship.

ENDOMYCORRHIZA (SYMBIVIT®) Also referred to as Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus (AMF), is present in most of the world’s soils, colonizing roughly 85 percent of plant families: fruit bearing trees and shrubs, most nuts, vegetables, flowers, succulents and cacti, palms, ornamentals (indoor and outdoor), some conifers such as yew tree, juniper, cypress, gingko, sequoia and others.

ECTOMYCORRHIZA (ECTOVIT®) Grows outside the roots and it is the only known to produce fruiting bodies, or mushrooms. Ectomycorrhizal fungi form a symbiosis with evergreens and some decidous (broadleaved) trees such as: pines (evergreens), oak, birch, beech, cedar, douglas fir, chesnut, pecan, hazelnut, spruce. Other trees establish relationships with both endo and ectomycorrhizae: eucalyptus, poplar, alder, rowan and willow among the best known.

ERICOID MYCORRHIZA (RHODOVIT®) Grows inside the cortex of roots forming hyphal coils. This type of mycorrhiza colonizes plants of the Ericaceae family including: rhododendron, azaleas, heathers, blueberries, cranberries and dangleberries.

NON-MYCORRHIZAL Roots of certain plants are highly resistant to mycorrhizal fungi and normally remain uncolonized. Among the most frequently mentioned families we find the Brassicaceae (cabbage and kale, cauliflower, radishes, broccoli, turnip, mustards, etc.), the Amaranthaceae (certain herbs and shrubs), Caryophyllaceae, Droseraceae (carnivorous plants). Also non-mycorrhizal are aquatic and parasitic plants.

Procuring any of these three strains for your garden, landscape or crop has become increasingly easy and affordable. The application of the fungal propagules to your plants and your soil is straightforward. The key to a successful application is placing the product next to or as close to the root of the plant as possible, which can be accomplished by either dry or wet applications. It takes about a month for the fungi to colonize the root and you will start seeing results within two months. Once the mycorrhiza is developed you will see your treated plants grow beyond your expectations.

What was SYMBIVIT® endomycorrhiza developed for?(back to top)

Flowering plants and house pot plants (rose, hybiscus, cyclamen, geranium, petunia, verbena, impatients, etc.) and Vines.

Fruits (citrus, avocado, apples, strawberry, raspberry, grapes, etc.)

Most ornamental conifers (thuya, yew tree, juniper, cypress, etc.)

Other ornamental trees and shrubs (maple, ash, rowan etc.)

Vegetables (tomato, cucumber, peppers, etc.) and most herbs.

Succulents and cacti.

Why use SYMBIVIT® endomycorrhiza?(back to top)

Our foremost interest is to support our customers in overcoming the majority of gardening problems by applying SYMBIVIT® and to get the most out of their gardens and crops. Thanks to the team of expert scientists working with us, we can always provide professional help and advice for both home gardeners and professionals in agriculture, landscaping, horticulture and other fields. We welcome your questions and feedback.

Symbivit was developed and is constantly improved by prominent European mycologists and successfully tested and used in Europe and worldwide. Significantly reduced need for irrigation and fertilization.

Richer and denser flowers and higher yield of fruit and vegetables.

What will plants treated with SYMBIVIT® show?

Stabilization of surfaces (anti erosion effect)

Increased resistance to stresses: Transplanting, Drought, Climate extremes

Better resistance to fungal root parasites and nematodes

Better and more balanced growth.

Stronger and more efficient root system.

Improved ability to free nutrients and water from the soil.

Additional information on SYMBIVIT®:(back to top)

Must come into direct contact with plant roots.

It is impossible to overdose, higher dosage ensures better establishment of mycorhiza.

Does not contain genetically modified organisms.

Does not leave residue in the soil.

Works better when combined with slow release natural fertilizers.

Positive effect can be reduced by excessive use of chemical fertilizers.

Avoid the use of systemic fungicides during the first 3 to 4 weeks after application.

Where is Mycorrhiza found?(back to top)
Think about your regular walk in the woods. When you see a mushroom or a toadstool, you usually only see what is above the ground. But the majority of the organism is found underground in the form of fine fungal fibers (the mycelium) that stretch for meters through the soil. The above-ground mushrooms are just a small part of the whole structure. The network of underground fungal fibers also known as mycelium, connects to plant roots and acts as a highly efficient additional root system.

Why is this network of fibers so important?(back to top)
Thanks to their incredible ability to connect to plant roots, the microscopic fungal fibers vastly extend the root system. They extract water and nutrients from a large volume of surrounding soil, and bring them to the plant, improving nutrition and growth. But one of the most important abilities of mycorrhizal fungi is that they stay attached to the roots and support the plant for its entire life.

How do we get mycorrhiza?(back to top)
Everything starts with the microscopic fungal fibers, or mycelium, as experts call them. But if you wanted to simply take the mycelium and put it under your plant, it wouldn’t work very well. First, we need to multiply the reproductive particles of the fungi, to make sure that they start growing new offshoots when they get to the roots of your plant. Then, we make a concentrated extract with ingredients that support the establishment of mycorrhiza, so that you our customer get maximum benefit from our products.

Is mycorrhiza a fertilizer?(back to top)
No. Mycorrhizal fungi are living organisms. They support the plant for its entire life. You will not get this from a fertilizer. Fertilizers are important, because they release nutrients into the soil. But only combining natural, slow-release fertilizers (like Conavit®, soon to be offered) with mycorrhizal fungi can get you the strong, resistant and healthy plants you strive for.

Why Would I use Mycorrhiza?(back to top)
A plant's root system, however big, can never be as extensive as the network of fungal fibers. The microscopic filaments grow through the soil and reach much more nutrients than the roots would. When you treat your plants with mycorrhiza, you can be sure that they will use the whole potential of the soil.

Why is all this so important?(back to top)
By supplying the plant with much more extra water and nutrients, mycorrhizal fungi contribute to superior growth, resistance and strength. Just like people should have a good supply of water and a healthy lifestyle based on natural, organic products, our plants grow much better when they live with a life-long partner and without chemical fertilizers. When we provide them with a solid base and the best possible support, they are much more likely to survive periods of bad conditions.

Highlights of Mycorrhizal treatment:(back to top)