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Once grass is established and does not encounter further rooting problems or stress conditions then there would be no further need to apply a mycorrhiza


Q: How does the mycorrhiza attach to the grass root?


A: All plants give off chemicals from their roots (called exudates) and the mycorrhiza spores and propagules sense this and are stimulated to form an attachment with the roots. Then the mycorrhiza influences the physiology of the plant to stimulate greater rooting, thereby benefitting the plant whilst the mycorrhiza is able to grow and reproduce using assimilates from the plant.


Q: Do all grass species benefit from mycorrhiza application?


A: To a greater or lesser extent, yes. Generally grasses that prefer drier conditions demonstrate best performance with mycorrhiza, and the conditions of the rooting zone has more effect than the grass species. Some studies have shown that annual meadow grass has reduced associations with mycorrhiza but, as most meadow grass in fine turf is at least a partial crossed with the perennial type (Poa reptens), then using mycorrhiza to limit meadow grass is not a sound recommendation.


Q: Can a mycorrhiza product be applied like a fertiliser to the surface of established turf?


A: Not really. It is far less effective because


the mycorrhiza propagules need to be in close proximity to the grass roots to be able to form a linkage. Therefore, applying it to the surface of the turf is far more ‘hit and miss’ than making sure it is placed in the rootzone.


Q: Can I use a mycorrhiza product alone, instead of a fertiliser?


A: A mycorrhiza product might be used as a partial substitution for fertiliser at establishment, or as a pre-seeder, because it encourages the plant to root to find further nutrients. However, after initial establishment, the grass plant will require further nutrition and, if this cannot readily be obtained from the rootzone, then fertiliser needs to be applied. However, the greater root system will be able to use the fertiliser more efficiently so, in many situations, fertiliser use can be rationalised.


Q: Isn’t mycorrhiza fungus killed by fungicides?


A: Some fungicides will have a negative effect on mycorrhiza, but not all (further information available). However, there are different target areas for mycorrhiza (soil) and fungicides (leaf) and also, usually, different times of year of application. So, therefore, this is not usually an issue and advisors should be able to assist with


appropriate advice.


Q: Is there an optimum time of year to apply mycorrhiza, or times to avoid?


A: If the climatic conditions are right for the grass to grow then mycorrhiza can form an association with the roots. However, cooler conditions, when plants stop rooting and also when frosts are likely, are not favourable times to apply mycorrhiza and, although it depends on locality, December to February are usually times to avoid.


Q: Is it necessary to keep on re-applying mycorrhiza?


A: Usually no, it depends on the situation. Once grass is established and does not encounter further rooting problems or stress conditions then there would be no further need to apply a mycorrhiza. However, if the plant is constantly being challenged by very shallow soil or poor rooting conditions and the root dies back annually, then annually re-applying mycorrhiza at aeration will be of benefit.


Further technical information on professional use of mycorrhiza and associated products are available from Technical Specialists at ALS and Novozymes Biologicals:


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