4 ms·

Why is it so expensive?

canadiantim 3y ago
Because current production methods generally either sacrifice quality or quantity due to the need for a plant host when mass producing mycorrhizal fungi. So there's many production methods. You can grow en masse with e.g. something like sorghum grass roots, but these mycorrhizal products have a greater likelihood of contamination and also most likely lesser quality (less infectious propagules and just generally contain filler). Then you've got mycorhhizal products made more cleanly typically using something like a genetically modified hairy carrot root such that the carrot root doesn't have a stem or leaves and is only the root system. This production method still has complications in that you are still growing 2 organisms (the fungi and the carrot root), but is an easier production system overall. Still, this method also has downfalls in that it can only be used to culture certain species of mycorrhizal fungi and frankly it's still expensive and tedious. That being said, I am working on a new production method that grows the fungi only (axenically) and hope to be mass producing within a couple years. Benefit of this new method is it's simpler and cheaper (only 1 organism growing), there's very minimal likelyhood of contamination and there's no use of any genetically modified organisms in the production process (this may only matter for e.g. organic farmers, etc.). So that's all to say that cheaper mycorrhizal products are coming down the line and will be in the market soon. Price is definitely one of the things that's been holding the mycorrhizal market back for sure. That being said, there's so much potential it's wild. E.g. you can breed mycorrhizal fungi (they're very genetically diverse so really amazing opportunity for a breeding program) and that's where we're going.
- dave333 3y ago
  I wouldn't mind paying $10 for a starter innoculant amount (small bag) if that would grow in my soil over time so need to figure out the right conditions to keep it growing and maybe how to grow one's own for further propagation. Here is what Chat GPT says: what are good ways to propagate Mycorrhizal fungi and to keep it multiplying in your soil ChatGPT Propagating and maintaining mycorrhizal fungi in your soil can have numerous benefits for plant health and nutrient uptake. Here are some good ways to propagate and sustain mycorrhizal fungi: Minimize disturbance: Mycorrhizal fungi establish and spread through their extensive networks of hyphae. Minimizing soil disturbance, such as avoiding excessive tilling or compacting the soil, can help maintain the fungal network and prevent disruption. Maintain soil organic matter: Mycorrhizal fungi thrive in soils with high organic matter content. Adding organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, provides a favorable environment for their growth and proliferation. Avoid overuse of synthetic fertilizers: High levels of synthetic fertilizers, especially phosphorus, can inhibit mycorrhizal colonization. It's advisable to use fertilizers sparingly and opt for slow-release organic fertilizers whenever possible. Introduce mycorrhizal inoculants: Mycorrhizal inoculants are commercially available products that contain beneficial mycorrhizal fungi. These inoculants can be applied during planting to introduce or supplement the existing fungal populations in the soil. Promote plant diversity: Different species of mycorrhizal fungi have varying symbiotic relationships with different plant species. Promoting plant diversity in your garden or landscape can support a diverse mycorrhizal community. Avoid fungicides: Fungicides can harm mycorrhizal fungi, so it's best to minimize or avoid their use. If fungicides are necessary, opt for those that have minimal impact on beneficial soil organisms. Maintain proper soil moisture: Mycorrhizal fungi require adequate soil moisture to thrive. Avoid waterlogging or excessive dryness, as both can negatively impact their growth. Maintain consistent soil moisture levels appropriate for the specific plant and fungal species. Practice crop rotation: Rotating crops can help diversify the types of mycorrhizal fungi in your soil. Different plants associate with different species of mycorrhizal fungi, so rotating crops can foster a broader range of beneficial fungal symbionts. Remember that the presence and abundance of mycorrhizal fungi in your soil can depend on various factors, including soil type, climate, and plant species. It may take time for mycorrhizal populations to establish and expand. Patience and consistent practices that support soil health are key to promoting and maintaining mycorrhizal fungi in your soil.
  - canadiantim 3y ago
    Your best bet is just grabbing small samples of topsoil from the forests around your land, they'll have plenty of the native mycorrhizal fungi in them. Then just scatter on your soil and mix in Then once they start to establish in your soils, the best ways to keep them propagating and multiplying in the soil is basically to ensure you have roots that are feeding them the sugars they need (through photosynthesis). Also you'll want to avoid tilling the soil if possible (tilling is basically just cutting through the mycorrhizal networks in the soil), but basically the key is to have crop cover on your soil as much as possible so the mycorrhizal communities have some sugar source to keep them through.

Because current production methods generally either sacrifice quality or quantity due to the need for a plant host when mass producing mycorrhizal fungi. So there's many production methods. You can grow en masse with e.g. something like sorghum grass roots, but these mycorrhizal products have a greater likelihood of contamination and also most likely lesser quality (less infectious propagules and just generally contain filler). Then you've got mycorhhizal products made more cleanly typically using something like a genetically modified hairy carrot root such that the carrot root doesn't have a stem or leaves and is only the root system. This production method still has complications in that you are still growing 2 organisms (the fungi and the carrot root), but is an easier production system overall. Still, this method also has downfalls in that it can only be used to culture certain species of mycorrhizal fungi and frankly it's still expensive and tedious. That being said, I am working on a new production method that grows the fungi only (axenically) and hope to be mass producing within a couple years. Benefit of this new method is it's simpler and cheaper (only 1 organism growing), there's very minimal likelyhood of contamination and there's no use of any genetically modified organisms in the production process (this may only matter for e.g. organic farmers, etc.). So that's all to say that cheaper mycorrhizal products are coming down the line and will be in the market soon. Price is definitely one of the things that's been holding the mycorrhizal market back for sure. That being said, there's so much potential it's wild. E.g. you can breed mycorrhizal fungi (they're very genetically diverse so really amazing opportunity for a breeding program) and that's where we're going.

dave333 3y ago
I wouldn't mind paying $10 for a starter innoculant amount (small bag) if that would grow in my soil over time so need to figure out the right conditions to keep it growing and maybe how to grow one's own for further propagation. Here is what Chat GPT says: what are good ways to propagate Mycorrhizal fungi and to keep it multiplying in your soil ChatGPT Propagating and maintaining mycorrhizal fungi in your soil can have numerous benefits for plant health and nutrient uptake. Here are some good ways to propagate and sustain mycorrhizal fungi: Minimize disturbance: Mycorrhizal fungi establish and spread through their extensive networks of hyphae. Minimizing soil disturbance, such as avoiding excessive tilling or compacting the soil, can help maintain the fungal network and prevent disruption. Maintain soil organic matter: Mycorrhizal fungi thrive in soils with high organic matter content. Adding organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, provides a favorable environment for their growth and proliferation. Avoid overuse of synthetic fertilizers: High levels of synthetic fertilizers, especially phosphorus, can inhibit mycorrhizal colonization. It's advisable to use fertilizers sparingly and opt for slow-release organic fertilizers whenever possible. Introduce mycorrhizal inoculants: Mycorrhizal inoculants are commercially available products that contain beneficial mycorrhizal fungi. These inoculants can be applied during planting to introduce or supplement the existing fungal populations in the soil. Promote plant diversity: Different species of mycorrhizal fungi have varying symbiotic relationships with different plant species. Promoting plant diversity in your garden or landscape can support a diverse mycorrhizal community. Avoid fungicides: Fungicides can harm mycorrhizal fungi, so it's best to minimize or avoid their use. If fungicides are necessary, opt for those that have minimal impact on beneficial soil organisms. Maintain proper soil moisture: Mycorrhizal fungi require adequate soil moisture to thrive. Avoid waterlogging or excessive dryness, as both can negatively impact their growth. Maintain consistent soil moisture levels appropriate for the specific plant and fungal species. Practice crop rotation: Rotating crops can help diversify the types of mycorrhizal fungi in your soil. Different plants associate with different species of mycorrhizal fungi, so rotating crops can foster a broader range of beneficial fungal symbionts. Remember that the presence and abundance of mycorrhizal fungi in your soil can depend on various factors, including soil type, climate, and plant species. It may take time for mycorrhizal populations to establish and expand. Patience and consistent practices that support soil health are key to promoting and maintaining mycorrhizal fungi in your soil.
- canadiantim 3y ago
  Your best bet is just grabbing small samples of topsoil from the forests around your land, they'll have plenty of the native mycorrhizal fungi in them. Then just scatter on your soil and mix in Then once they start to establish in your soils, the best ways to keep them propagating and multiplying in the soil is basically to ensure you have roots that are feeding them the sugars they need (through photosynthesis). Also you'll want to avoid tilling the soil if possible (tilling is basically just cutting through the mycorrhizal networks in the soil), but basically the key is to have crop cover on your soil as much as possible so the mycorrhizal communities have some sugar source to keep them through.