About this episode
In this episode of Hydroponics Daily, Dr. Russell Sharp dives deep into the fascinating world of mycorrhizal fungi and their symbiotic relationships with plant roots. Discover how these fungi receive 15% of photosynthetic sugars from plants, a contribution akin to that used for flowering and fruiting. Explore the crucial roles mycorrhizae play in stress tolerance and their essential existence for plants like orchids and pines, which rely heavily on these fungi for survival. Learn about the different types of mycorrhizal fungi, including endomycorrhizal, ectomycorrhizal, and vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae, and how they contribute to nutrient absorption and resilience against toxins. Dr. Sharp also addresses the challenges of using mycorrhizal products, highlighting the issues of product viability and potential yield impacts. Dive into the discussion on the relevance of these fungi in hydroponics, and understand why some plants, especially brassicas and proteas, do not form mycorrhizal connections.