Mycorrhiza

For more than 120 years, it has been known that trees living in mycorrhizal symbiosis profit greatly from this combination, and are able to establish themselves even in extreme locations simply through this partnership. Urban trees and trees lining roads, suffer the greatest deficits in mycorrhiza fungi.

Through targeted application of mycorrhiza, it is possible to support the healthy growth of trees, in particular those in stressful situations.

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Product Specialist Christoph Pösken

Christoph is available as a consultant for tree care.

He is your point of contact for all questions regarding crown stabilization, mycorrhiza, and soil enhancers.

In addition, he offers on-site visits and seminars to work with you on developing customized solutions.

+49 (0) 2151 / 49 47 81

Email Christoph Pösken
GEFA MYCORRHIZA Fungus vaccine

GEFA Mycorrhiza Fungus vaccine

The choice of the right mycorrhiza is crucial. Because in nature it is simply the case that certain types of fungus occur on certain types of trees and only then does a fully functional symbiosis arise. The same applies to other soil organisms that are also used as soil additives. Trichoderma, a soil fungus that is mainly used against harmful fungal diseases, and various types of bacteria and strains of Bacillus, which also have protective functions and ensure a better supply of nutrients to the plants, are particularly well-known.

In extensive laboratory and greenhouse tests, the appropriate Bacillus cultures were tested for our various mycorrhizal vaccines so that the efficiency of the respective symbiotic fungi is reliably maintained. The advantages of the symbiosis double pack were evident in the Growth of the plants, with the degree of mycorrhization and the fine root branching.

In our manufacturing process, the mycorrhiza vaccines are always attracted to the plants for which they can be used in the last production step, so at GEFA you only get tree-species-specific, highly infectious mycorrhiza like them (e.g.) in the FLL- Regulations "Recommendations for Tree Planting, Part 2" are provided.

And our vaccines are real vaccines! Not substrates or fertilizers with mycorrhizal admixtures, which are often cheaper compared to liter prices, but are much more expensive as a vaccine in relation to the required concentration or can even lead to over-fertilization.

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Endo mycorrhiza

Endo Mycorrhiza

endo = inside

With approximately 80%, the most frequent mychorriza form of all land plants is the endomycorrhiza, formed by zygomycetes (Glomales). The changes to the fine roots are not visible from the outside. The fungi do not form fruit bodies and their spores are so tiny that you have to search for them with a magnifying glass. Typical symbiosis partners: sycamore, plane, horse chestnut and fruit trees.

Ectomycorrhiza

Ectomycorrhiza

ektos = outside

Ectomycorrhiza include the tasty fungi (truffles), uneatable fungi (bitter russule) and the poisonous varieties (fly agaric). Almost all of these form fruiting bodies and are visible to the naked eye on fine roots. Typical symbiosis partners: Oak, beech, hornbeam, fir, spruce, pine and some other tree varieties lime, poplar and willow can form or possess both ectomycorrhiza and endomycorrhiza. However, ectomycorrhiza tend to be found on older trees and in drier soils.

Mycorrhiza against drought stress

Mycorrhiza against drought stress

The fact that plants are only supplied with water via the root hairs and the outer cell layer of the not yet lignified fine roots (rhizodermis cells) is not even true for 10% of land plants. Over 90% live in fungus-root symbioses (mycorrhiza), in which the fungus partners take over this service for the most part. With ectomycorrhizal fungi, the formation of root hairs is even actively prevented by hormonal suppression. B. on beech or oak in forest locations hardly ever find root hairs.

Very fine roots (up to 0.5 mm Ø) can only penetrate into larger soil cavities - if they are present - and absorb water there with root hairs (approx. 0.01 mm) from coarse pores (0.05 - 0.01 mm) . Fungal hyphae, which are the thread-like cells of fungi however, mostly only 0.002 to 0.003 mm thick. Therefore, they can also open up part of the central pores (0.01 - 0.0002). This enables fungi, and thus the tree, to take around 30% more water from the vicinity of the roots - this additional supply alone can decide whether it is damaged or even ultimately wilting.

The positive effect is even greater through the "extra radical mycelium", these are fungal hyphae outside the root that spread from the mycorrhizae into the surrounding soil.

This fungal network considerably enlarges the outer, receptive surface of the roots and multiplies the receptivity for water and nutrients. For endomycorrhizal fungi, this fungal network has been shown to be 12 cm and even up to 25 cm from the root.

For ectomycorrhiza-forming types of fungi, a distinction is made between spreading types that span distances of different distances - up to 10 cm. If the fine, thread-like hyphae bundle to form hyphae associations (rhizomorphs), these can often reach several decimeters or even meters into the ground. In such transport rhizomorphs, the flow rate for water and nutrients is significantly increased. This is achieved by the fact that hyphae from the central area increase their diameter considerably and the transverse walls completely or partially dissolve, so that the form and function of the rhizomorphs resemble plant roots.

The symbiotic fungi also stimulate the root to develop more root tips, which then leads to further colonization by mycorrhizal fungi of other species.

In young plants, under the influence of mycorrhiza, it was also observed that the formation of new roots was increased and the roots penetrated into significantly deeper soil layers.

In the case of forest plantings, which are very often delivered and stored with bare roots, mycorrhization of the fine roots can provide protection against evaporation, so that drying out is effectively reduced and damage caused by drying out does not occur significantly longer.

* Text by: Dr. Jürgen Kutscheidt

  • Mycorrhiza

    It has been known for over 140 years that mycorrhizal fungi provide enormous benefits to the plants they live in symbiosis with. Whenever plants are exposed to stressful situations, inoculation with mycorrhiza can offer significant advantages, such as in cases of drought, nutrient deficiency, pollutant exposure, high infection pressure, or during transplanting.

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Mycorrhiza

THE SYMBIOSIS PARTNER

Urban and street trees are often "problematic children." They are exposed to drought, nutrient deficiencies, and pollutant stress. To remain vital and survive in the long term, they must withstand extreme site conditions such as high salt and heavy metal loads, low pH levels, severe soil compaction, and challenging water conditions. For more than 140 years, it has been known that trees living in symbiosis with mycorrhizal fungi benefit greatly from this partnership, enabling them to thrive even in extreme locations. Among urban and street trees, the lack of mycorrhizal fungi is most pronounced. A targeted application of mycorrhiza can support healthy tree growth, especially under stress conditions.

GEFA's mycorrhiza vaccine is not cultivated on sterile substrates but always grown on native plants. The result is a tree-specific, highly infectious mycorrhiza. Certain fungal species occur only in specific tree types. A fully functional symbiosis is achieved only when the appropriate mycorrhiza from GEFA Produkte® Fabritz GmbH is inoculated into the corresponding tree species.

  • For new plantings
  • Under high infection pressure
  • During transplanting
  • In the restoration of mature trees

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Mycorrhiza

ECTO AND ENDO

ECTO Mycorrhiza

Ecto = external

Among ectomycorrhiza, there are edible species (truffles), inedible ones (bitter russula), and toxic types (fly agaric). Almost all form fruiting bodies and can be seen with the naked eye on fine roots.

Typical symbiotic partners: oaks, beeches, hornbeams, firs, spruces, pines, and some other tree species. Linden, poplar, and willow can form or host both ecto- and endomycorrhiza. However, older trees and drier soils tend to favor ectomycorrhiza.

ENDO Mycorrhiza

Endo = internal

With around 80%, endomycorrhiza is the most common form of mycorrhiza among all land plants, formed by zygomycetes (Glomales). Changes to the fine roots are not visible externally. These fungi do not form fruiting bodies, and their spores are so tiny that they must be observed under a magnifying glass.

Typical symbiotic partners: maple, plane tree, horse chestnut, and fruit trees.

Mycorrhiza

THE HISTORY OF MYCORRHIZA

Knowledge about mycorrhiza dates back more than 140 years. At that time, the Berlin botanist Prof. Frank was commissioned by the King of Prussia to cultivate truffles. During his work, the forestry specialist observed that the fruiting body of truffles was always connected to the fine roots of certain tree species. These roots consistently exhibited a characteristic appearance: they were more compact, highly branched, and displayed a different color compared to 'normal' roots. However, not only edible fungi serve as tree partners.

There are many other fungi capable of forming such symbiotic relationships. Some are inedible (e.g., the Paxillus involutus), while others are toxic and therefore not propagated by us (e.g., the fly agaric).

All these fungi form what is known as ectomycorrhiza (ecto = external). They are visible to the naked eye and typically develop proper fungal fruiting bodies. Since these truffle roots were not ordinary roots, Prof. Frank named them mycorrhiza, derived from the Greek words mykes (fungus) and rhizos (root).

 

MYCORRHIZA

WATER ABSORPTION

Fungi, with their delicate mycelial network, are particularly adept at absorbing water. This is made possible by far-reaching hyphae, which increase the absorbing surface area by 100 to 1,000 times. Additionally, fungal hyphae, only 2-3 micrometers thick, can penetrate the micropores of soil. In these pores, they extract water that would otherwise be inaccessible to plants without fungal partners.

Compared to root hairs, which are single-cell extensions of fine roots, fungal hyphae extend much further into the surrounding soil and are significantly thinner.

A robust mycorrhiza greatly enhances the water supply to plants. This can be a decisive factor in the success or failure of new plantings and significantly contribute to the revitalization of mature trees during restoration!

MYCORRHIZA

NUTRIENT ABSORPTION

In addition to significantly improved water absorption, all nutrients dissolved in the water are also transported to the plant in much higher quantities. This often occurs via specialized transport structures, called rhizomorphs, which resemble root structures and can grow over a meter in length.

Furthermore, mycorrhizal fungi have the ability to secrete enzymes and organic acids, which improve the uptake of phosphate, nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and other micronutrients. These substances can also be extracted from organic and mineral compounds. A large portion of these nutrients is directly supplied to the partner plant, while another portion is stored and can be released during times of deficiency.

This enhanced nutrient supply, particularly of nitrogen and phosphate, enables trees and shrubs to thrive in locations where survival would otherwise be impossible without fungal support.

More than 90% of all land plants are in symbiosis with mycorrhizal fungi!

MYCORRHIZA

PROTECTION FROM TOXIC METALS

Mycorrhizal fungi can significantly reduce the toxicity of heavy metals for plants by binding them through chemical processes, such as the formation of chelates outside the cells, and by fixing them in cell walls. This allows plants to survive even in soils that would typically be toxic.

Similarly, harmful trivalent aluminum can be permanently bound, significantly reducing the risk of poisoning in highly acidic soils.
This demonstrates how mycorrhizal fungi help plants survive in contaminated soils by neutralizing toxic substances.

MYCORRHIZA

PROTECTION FROM HARMFUL SOIL ORGANISMS

Many mycorrhizal fungi protect plants from harmful organisms by producing antibiotic substances. Similar to molds like Penicillium or Trichoderma, they secrete compounds near the mycorrhizal fine roots that inhibit or kill harmful bacteria and fungi, thereby protecting the roots from infections.

Another protective mechanism occurs when mycorrhizal fungi penetrate the roots, triggering defense responses in the plant. These responses make it more difficult for pests to cause infections or feed on the roots. This protective process is known as pre-immunization.

Mycorrhiza

ADVANTAGES OF THE SYMBIOSIS FOR THE FUNGUS

Through photosynthesis, plants can produce energy-rich carbohydrates (sugars, starches) and oxygen from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide (CO2). Fungi are unable to do this because they lack chlorophyll. Approximately 20% (sometimes even up to 30%) of these sugars are provided to or taken by the fungus in exchange for its "services."

  • Advantages of the Mycorrhiza Symbiosis for the Fungus

    Plants use the energy of sunlight to produce energy-rich carbohydrates (sugars) and oxygen from water and carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. Fungi, however, cannot do this as they lack chlorophyll. Approximately 20% (in some cases even up to 30%) of the sugars produced by the plant are absorbed by the fungus in return for its support. Order the best mycorrhiza at GEFA Fabritz.

  • When planting seedlings and saplings

    Seedlings, whether container-grown or bare-root, can be directly treated with mycorrhizal inoculant during planting. The amount required per plant depends on the plant size and root system development. Very small seedlings need approximately 2 ml, medium-sized ones 5 ml, and large seedlings 10–20 ml of inoculant.

    For dry sites or situations where consistent watering cannot be ensured, it is recommended to mix the inoculant with root protection gel (STOCKOSORB®). The paste-like gel with inoculant can be used to dip bundles of bare-root seedlings or the root systems of container plants. This provides optimal protection against evaporation until planting and helps prevent drying out during the establishment phase.

  • When planting standard trees, avenue trees, shrub-stemmed trees, and solitary trees

    The rule here is to apply 2/3 of the inoculant to the sides of the root ball and scatter 1/3 beneath the root ball. It is important to place the fungal partner as close as possible to the fine roots of the tree. The burlap wrapping does not need to be removed, as the coarse fabric does not pose a barrier for the fine fungal threads.

  • Water Absorption

    Fungi possess a delicate network of mycelium that is particularly effective at absorbing water. Thanks to the extensive branching of hyphae, often referred to as fungal threads, the absorbing surface area increases by 100 to 1,000 times. With a thickness of just 2-3 micrometers, these hyphae can penetrate the micropores of soil and access water that would otherwise be unavailable to plants without fungal partners.

    Compared to root hairs, which are single-cell extensions of fine roots, fungal hyphae extend much further into the surrounding soil and are significantly thinner. The common assumption in textbooks that water and nutrient uptake in woody plants occurs through root hairs is incorrect. Once young plants form a mycorrhiza, root hairs almost entirely disappear from the fine roots.

    A well-functioning mycorrhiza significantly enhances water supply to plants. This can make the difference between successful establishment and failure in new plantings and is also critical in revitalizing older trees during restoration efforts.

  • Nährstoffaufnahme

    Mycorrhizal fungi not only enhance water absorption in plants but also transport dissolved nutrients in the water to the plant in greater quantities. This often occurs via rhizomorphs, specialized root-like structures that can grow up to one meter long.

    Additionally, mycorrhizal fungi secrete enzymes and organic acids that improve the uptake of nutrients such as phosphate, nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and other micronutrients. These substances can be extracted from organic and mineral compounds. A significant portion of these nutrients is directly delivered to the plant, while the remainder is stored and made available during times of nutrient deficiency.

    This enhanced nutrient supply, particularly with nitrogen and even more so with phosphate, enables plants to survive in challenging locations where they could not thrive without fungal support—for example, pines on rocks, birches on castle ruins, or oaks in nutrient-poor sandy soils.

  • Protection from Toxic Metals

    Mycorrhizal fungi can significantly reduce the toxicity of heavy metals for plants by binding them through chemical processes, such as the formation of chelates outside the cells, and by fixing them within cell walls. This allows plants to survive even in soils that would typically be toxic.

    Similarly, harmful trivalent aluminum can be permanently bound, significantly reducing the risk of poisoning in highly acidic soils.

    This explanation illustrates how mycorrhizal fungi help plants survive in contaminated soils by neutralizing toxic substances. Let me know if you would like further adjustments!

  • Protection from harmful soil organisms

    Many mycorrhizal fungi protect plants from harmful organisms by producing antibiotic substances. Similar to molds like Penicillium or Trichoderma, they release compounds near the mycorrhizal fine roots that inhibit or kill harmful bacteria and fungi, thereby protecting the roots from infections.

    Another protective mechanism occurs when mycorrhizal fungi penetrate the roots, triggering defense responses in the plant. These responses make it harder for pests to cause infections or damage the roots. This protective process is known as pre-immunization.

  • Group supply

    Mycorrhizal fungi not only significantly improve the water and nutrient supply of an individual tree but have also been shown to facilitate an intensive nutrient exchange between neighboring trees, even across different species. This fungal connection particularly supports the nourishment of young plants growing in the shadow of large, older trees, often enabling their survival and growth.

MYCORRHIZA

OUR SPECIFIC MYCORRHIZAE

At GEFA, special mycorrhizal blends are developed for various woody plants (and grasses). These blends support the growth and health of coniferous and deciduous trees such as pines, spruces, oaks, beeches, and birches. The inoculants enhance nutrient and water uptake, making plants more resilient to environmental stress. Special variants for grass promote its growth and density, resulting in healthier and more robust lawns.

Please let us know if your plants are located in areas with high pH levels. We can provide specially selected strains tailored for such conditions.

 

We are here to assist.

Christoph Pösken | Specialist in Arboriculture / Consultant for Tree Care & Restoration

As a tree care expert, Christoph is your go-to contact for all matters related to "Trees and Construction Sites." Reach out to him for advice and questions about trunk protection and root care. He looks forward to connecting with you and sharing valuable practical tips.

+49 (0) 2151 / 49 47 81

Email Christoph

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