About Mycorrhizae
What is mycorrhiza?
Mycorrhizal fungi form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, dramatically extending the root system. Plants gain improved water and nutrient uptake; the fungi receive carbohydrates from the plant. More than 95% of terrestrial plant species form these relationships naturally - a symbiosis that evolved over hundreds of millions of years and preceded the colonization of dry land by plants.
What's the difference between endo and ecto mycorrhizae?
Endomycorrhizal fungi penetrate root cells and work with most vegetables, flowers, grasses, and deciduous trees. Ectomycorrhizal fungi colonize the root surface and are essential for conifers, oaks, and beeches. For mixed plantings, use our Endo/Ecto blend to cover all plant types.
Why don't plants already have mycorrhizal fungi?
Common agricultural and landscaping practices - tillage, soil removal, compaction, fumigation, and leaving soil fallow - eliminate the natural mycorrhizal population. Container-grown nursery stock is also typically free of mycorrhizae, making inoculation at planting time critical.
How much do mycorrhizal fungi extend a plant's root system?
The fungal filaments produced by mycorrhizal fungi increase a plant's effective absorbing surface area by 100 to 1,000 times. Several miles of these fine filaments can exist in a single thimbleful of healthy soil. Beyond physical reach, the fungi release organic compounds that unlock nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron that standard fertilization cannot efficiently deliver.
Why reintroduce mycorrhizae rather than letting them recover naturally?
Endo mycorrhizal populations are slow to recover on their own. Without nearby natural areas as a spore source, treated soils can remain biologically depleted for years. Reintroducing inoculants at planting gives plants immediate access to a functional fungal network - resulting in measurably better establishment, reduced water and fertilizer inputs, and stronger plant performance that compounds across every growing season.
Products & Application
When is the best time to apply mycorrhizal inoculants?
As early as possible - at seeding, propagation, or transplant. Direct contact with roots at planting gives the fungi the best opportunity to colonize. Colonization typically takes about 4 weeks, with visible performance benefits appearing around 8 weeks in comparison trials.
Will mycorrhizal products work with my existing fertilizer program?
Yes, with one caveat: avoid high water-soluble phosphorus and nitrogen during establishment. High phosphorus suppresses mycorrhizal colonization. If using constant-feed injectors, reduce from 200-300 ppm N to 100-150 ppm N. Apply high-phosphorus fertilizers at least 3 weeks after inoculation. Controlled-release and organic fertilizers are the best pairing.
Are mycorrhizal products compatible with fungicides?
Generally yes, but timing matters. If you need to apply a fungicide, either apply it first and wait one week before inoculating, or inoculate first and wait 3-4 weeks before applying the fungicide. Mycorrhizal products are compatible with beneficial bacteria (such as Actinovate), Trichoderma, pesticides, herbicides, and nematocides.
Can I apply mycorrhizal products through my irrigation system?
Yes - several products in our catalog are designed for this. Soluble Maxx, Big Foot Gold, and Big Foot Concentrate all dissolve completely and are compatible with drip irrigation and fertigation systems. Granular products should be applied directly to the root zone at planting.
What is the shelf life and how should products be stored?
All MycoApply products have a 2-year shelf life from the date of production. Standard warehouse storage is fine - refrigeration is not required. Once a bag is opened, reseal it and store in a cool, dry location.
What happens if I over-apply or use the wrong product type?
No adverse effects. Over-application causes no harm, and applying the wrong mycorrhizal type (endo vs. ecto) to a plant simply means the fungi remain dormant in the soil - they won't damage the plant. For mixed plantings, our Endo/Ecto blends eliminate the guesswork entirely.
Are your products OMRI listed for organic production?
Yes - multiple products in our catalog carry OMRI certification for organic production, including MycoApply Injector Endo, Ultrafine Endo, Soluble Maxx, and Big Foot Ecto-Mycorrhizae. Contact us for current certifications on specific products as listings are updated periodically.
Do annual plants need reapplication each season?
Annual plants typically need one application per crop cycle since the root system is replanted each season. Perennial plantings establish a persistent mycorrhizal network and may benefit from occasional reapplication depending on tillage practices and soil disturbance between seasons.
Orders & Shipping
What is your minimum order?
Contact us for details on order minimums and volume pricing. For large or recurring orders, use our bulk quote form to request custom pricing.
How long does shipping take?
Orders ship on business days. Delivery times vary by destination and shipping method. Contact us for shipping details or a freight estimate on large orders.
Can I return a product?
Unopened products in original packaging may be returned within 30 days of delivery. Email us with your order number to receive a Return Authorization (RA) number before shipping back. Approved returns are issued as store credit toward a future order — we do not issue cash refunds.