Family Farming Knowledge Platform

How to apply mycorrhizal fungi in fruit growing

Problem

Organic fruit growing often faces challenges like lack of water or nutrient availability, which in turn can have significant adverse effects on the health of the fruit tree and harvest.

Solution

Application of mycorrhizal fungi products to the soil during fruit growing can enable plants to absorb water and nutrients from the soil better.

Description

Trees whose roots thrive on networks of mycorrhizal fungi are healthier and more vigorous, while their resistance to pathogens or water shortage in droughts is also increased. Sufficient nutrients and improved water management also positively impact the fruit flavour.

Practical recommendations
- Choose the best product (Pictures 1 and 2) and apply mycorrhizal fungi into the soil to the roots of all fruit species when planting (Picture 3).
- Mycorrhizal fungi immediately form a dense network of filaments in the soil that connect the tree roots and soil life in symbiosis (Picture 2).
- Mycorrhizal fungi colonising tree roots facilitate plant development through better access to soil resources (better absorption of nutrients, water uptake) and may limit the effects of biotic and abiotic stresses.
- Optimally nourished trees supported by mycorrhiza produce a rich and regular crop of flowers and, subsequently, fruits.
- Apply mycorrhizal fungi to the roots of fruit trees once; they live in symbiosis with the roots continuously for decades over the lifetime of the trees.
- Apply granular products or powders directly to tree roots at planting. Alternatively, mix the products with water and dip the tree roots in suspended powder or liquid products before planting.
- Check the best product for your crop. Each commercial mycorrhizal fungi product is targeted to a specific plant group.
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Author: Radek Vávra
Other authors: Gabriela Stryhalová, Jiří Kaplan
Organization: Organic Farm Knowledge
Other organizations: VSUO - Research and Breeding Institute of Pomology Holovousy
Year: 2024
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Type: Practices
Content language: Czech, English, French
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