MycorrhizaeBenefits

Utah Green Industriy ConferenceMonday 25, 2010

Atul Nayyar, Ph. D., Biol.

Agenda

• Brief intro to our company: Premier Tech• Mycorrhizal fungi, what they are and what they do!• Soil nutrient characteristics• Production technology to viable products• Mycorrhizal effects on plant growth• Conclusions

Seven business units gathered in three groups

One missionTo become technological and commercial leaders in the respective fields of expertise of its three groups

Premier Tech Biotechnologies has

acquired over the years a unique

expertise in industrial scale production of

top quality mycorrhizal inoculants for

the horticulture and agriculture market.

60 team members more than

20 dedicated to R&D adding up to more

than 150 years of expertise in

mycorrhizae.

Mycorrhizal fungi

• Mycorrhizal fungi colonize the plant’s root system and develop a symbiotic association called a “mycorrhiza”

• Form a network of filaments that associate with plant roots and draw nutrients and water from the soil that the root system would not be able to access otherwise.

• Mycorrhizae are developped on more than 90% of plant species

• Mycorrhizae are present naturally in almost all ecosystems

Types of mycorrhizae

Arbutoid, Orchid

Ericoid

All arbutus and orchid plants

Not obligate fungi

Orchids rely on them

All Ericaceous plants (Blueberry, Azalea, Rhodos)Not obligate fungi

Visible

Types of mycorrhizae

Ectomycorrhizae

Endomycorrhizae

15% of plants

Most conifers, deciduous exceptions

80% of plants Most deciduous and herbaceous, cedars

Visible

Ectomycorrhizae

Ectomycorrhizae

15% of plants

(Pine, Spruce, Fir, Oak, Birch, Hazelnut)

Visible

Fungi are not obligate, can live as saprophytes on organic matter. Show some host specificityDo produce visible sporocarps above ground

MantleOutsidecells

• Arbuscules: transfer organs of the mycorrhizae.

• Hyphae: connect root to soil. Act as pipeline.

• Spores: resting, lipid filled structures. Is the seed of the fungus world.

• Identification is based on these.

Endomycorrhizae (Arbuscular Mycorrhizae)

How to identify species• Spore morphology

• Number of species (200) limited vs plants (250K)

• DNA fingerprint

Results:• Multiple nuclei per

spores (thousands)• Each nucleus has a

different genetic code• Very adaptable and

versatile

Mycorrhizal Research

A 1995 detailed analysis of databases of mycorrhizal researchcontaining almost 12,000 references (Klironomos et al, 1995).

During the last four decades, the average number of papers publishedper year were 84, 110, 214 and 488, respectively. The rate of publication in 1995 was about 700 papers per year,and well over 1000 now.

Much research has focused on nutrient dynamics, inoculum production,mycorrhiza formation, and morphology and physiology of botharbuscular mycorrhizas (AM) and ectomycorrhizas (EM).

Research is conducted on all continents.

Spore germination (signal)

Mechanism of symbiosis

Externalexploration

Mechanism of symbiosis

Spore production

Root

Hypha,

pipeline

Spore

Network

Endomycorrhizae at work

LIVE!

Mycorrhizae advantages

• Allow plants to draw more nutrients and water from the soil, including phosphorus

• Result in vigorous and healthy plants

• Accelerate rooting

• Increase plant survival

• Increase drought tolerance and others stresses

• Enhance flowering and fruiting

• Reduce transplant shock

• Better yields

• Reduce erosion

Root without mycorrhizae

Root with mycorrhizae

Some basic soil physico-chemico properties

Nutrient availability and micro-organisms activities vs pH

Nutrient uptake mecanismsMass flow: water movement into the soil toward the roots

Radical interception: Interception of solution ions during root growth

Diffusion: Transfer of ions from higher to lower concentration

Facts1. Plants absorb P from solution in proportion to the

concentration of phosphate ions in the solution (solubilisation).

2. P is mainly absorbed by diffusion because it’s a non mobile ions in the soil solution.

3. If no other factors are limiting, growth will be proportional to the amount of P absorbed by plants.

4. The actively absorbing surface of plant roots is near the root tips.

5. Mycorrhizae may supply up to 80%* of the plant P.• Organic matter hydrolysis• Phosphatase activity (direct or indirect)• Increase of bacterial activity (symbiosis between soil

bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi)

*Bolan, N.S. 1991. A critical review on the role of mycorrhizal fungi in the uptake of phosphorus byplants. Plant and Soil 134 : 189-207.

Challenges of inoculum production

Mass production of viable inoculum has been a challenge for large-scale application of mycorrhizal inoculants

• Cannot be grown in the absence of a plant host

• Their physiology and their genetic structure are very complex

• Production cycle over 3 – 5 months

Challenges of inoculum productionConventional processProduction of host-plant in greenhouses

Challenges of inoculum productionIn vitro processProduction under controlled environmental conditions usingroot culture

Challenges of inoculum production

Conventional process In vitro process

• Number of propagules per unit is variable

• Quantification is difficult and inaccurate

• Risk of plant pathogens

• Restrictions in formulation and application

• Limited production capacity

• Quality of products is variable

• Number of propagules per unit is constant

• Quantification is more simple and accurate

• Plant pathogen-free

• Flexibility in formulation and application

• Higher production capacity

• Quality of products is constant

Need to master more than just inoculum production

Technical support in the Application of

concentrated formulations

Productionof the active ingredient

Formulations tailor made to meet

client requests

BEN

EFI

TS O

N P

LAN

TS

TU

RF

RESULT: Establishment

Average Bentgrass Coverage - Laval University

100

Number of weeks

0102030405060708090

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

% c

overa

ge

Mycorrhizal inoculation accelerated coverage by 4-5 weeks

With MycorrhizaeWithout Mycorrhizae

APPLICATIONS: Sod productionSod producer Lower St-Laurence CanadaSeeded with powder on seed in fall 2008. Harvest Sept 12 2009.33% less fertilizer applied (saved 300 lbs/ac N-P-K)

WITH MYCORRHIZAE

WITHOUTMYCORRHIZAE

APPLICATIONS: Sod Turf

Without MycorrhizaeWith Mycorrhizae

WITH MYCORRHIZAE

WITHOUTMYCORRHIZAE

Downsview Park, Ontario CanadaUse of granular applied mycorrhizae at sod installation

RESULT: Water use

Model tested: Penncross

By R. KOSKE1, J.N.GEMMA2 and N.JACKSON2

Department of Botany1 and Department of Plant Sciences2, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island

WITH MYCORRHIZAE

with water

without water

without water WITHOUT

MYCORRHIZAE

Turf without mycorrhizae began wilting after 3 daysMycorrhizal turf wilted after 5 days

Mycorrhizal turf showed 39% less water stress than withoutAfter eight days, the difference was 60%

RESULT: Disease resistance

Spread of Dollar spot - Laval University

01020304050

2 3Weeks after disease introduction

% c

over

age

Without MycorrhizaeWith Mycorrhizae

Mycorrhizal turf had 35% less disease invasion

607080

BEN

EFI

TS O

N P

LAN

TS

TR

EES

& S

HR

UB

S

Ash trial (Université Laval, Québec)

Height increase of 79% with Mycorrhizae

Growth increase

Black maple

0

2

4

6

8

10

2001

2000

1999

1998

With Mycorrhizae

Without Mycorrhizae

City Tree

Tree survival in City conditions

Guelph University 2001

Plantations in Mexico Pinus michoacana

WithWith MycorrhizaeMycorrhizae WithoutWithout MycorrhizaeMycorrhizae

Mycorrhizae in Citrus nursery production

Willits & Newcomb Inc, Arvin, California.Orange production, 150 cc.

Without mycorrhizae

With mycorrhizae

Mycorrhizal inoculant use in nurseries

BEN

EFI

TS O

N P

LAN

TS

AN

NU

ALS

& P

ER

EN

NIA

LS

Annuals and perennials

BEN

EFI

TS O

N P

LAN

TS

FIE

LD

CR

OP

S

Lentil trial yields

LOCATIONS: Canada (MB), USA (ND,WI, NE, IA, MN) Fertilizer: 100-180 lb N

BEN

EFI

TS F

OR

SO

IL

Mycorrhizal effects on soil structure

• Soil structure refers to pore spaces as well as aggregates, and the number and dimension of pore spaces between particles are important in functional considerations.

• The effects of soil structure are of critical importance to the maintenance of soil function.

• Better soil structure gives:

Greater water infiltration and water holding capacity.

More permeability to air.

Better root development.

Higher microbial activity and nutrient cycling.

Better resistance to surface sealing (crusts).

Better resistance to erosion (water/wind)

Better resistance to compaction

SOIL STRUCTURE AGGREGATIONPlays a major role in soil aggregation through hyphae networking and glomalin (biological glue) productionImprovement of soil structure • Stimulation of beneficial microbial activityWater infiltration improvement • Reduction of erosion and nutrient leaching

7

Conclusions:

• Absorption of P & other minerals

• Plant establishment & survival

• Better H2 O use

• Erosion control

MYCORRHIZAE

Thanks

• Apply the correct, certified viable amount of a performant species

• Apply it at the right time (at planting)

• Apply it at the right place (in planting hole)

• Increase the value of your work (growth benefits)

Why add a commercial inoculum to your operations?

Single AMF species vs Several AMF species

• The effect of AMF mixtures on plant growth and P uptake were mostly within the range of the effects exerted by the respective single AMF species (Jansa, Smith and Smith, 2007).

• In the main, there was little evidence for increased P uptake and/or growth of plants colonized by several AMF species compared with a single species (Jansa, Smith and Smith, 2007).

• In the case of several species cocktail, we have to consider :

Antagonism between AMF species

Compatibility with bacteria

Specific functions of each AMF

CAN Registration requirements:

Premier Tech and Mycorrhizal Technology

The statement must identify the agronomic benefit(s) that will be derived from the use of the product.

Conducted with a minimum of 2 independent researchersConducted for a minimum of 2 growing seasonsConducted in East and West Canada with 4 sites per region4 replications of randomized tests per siteEach year, at least 60% of trials show significant positive responseTotal number of trials 32 experimental set-ups, at least 20 showed positive results.Presently 22 products registered (CFIA) Presently registered in 30 States

Non-mycorrhizal plants:

Crassulaceae (Sedum) Chenopodiaceae (Kochia)Caryophyllaceae (Gypsophila, Dianthus, Cerastium)Brasicaceae (Alyssum, Brassica, Arabis, Rockcress)Fabaceae (lupins)