About us

Our history

In 1978 we purchased a rural plot in the village of Rudy near Konskowola. That was our beginning: we set up a nursing farm of fructous trees, which enjoyed great appreciation among fruiters. After the political change of the year 1989 we gradually changed our nursing farm's orientation into decorative plants, which is now my daughter Dorota's and her husband Aleksander Cegielka's business. Since 1982 I was acquainted with microbiologists from IUNG (Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation in Pulawy), that is with Wojciech Paszkowski, Ph.D. and Andrzej Księżniak, Ph.D. At that time Mr. Paszkowski prepared inoculums against Crown Gall disease using bacteria Agrobacterium radiobacter K-84. Our company was then merely a nursing farm.

Thanks to my contacts to microbiologists I came up with an idea of producing mycorrhizal fungous spawn, which was at that time a pioneer enterprise. In 1999 Mr. Andrzej Księżniak prepared first isolates, eg "JUNI X", which has been used ever since for almost all coniferous plants.

Over the next few years the technology of breeding and isolating was developed. At the moment, we offer inoculums containing fungous spawn isolated from the roots of plants growing in various habitats, mostly the forests.

At the Forest Fair in Rogow, 2002, we came up with an idea to use the "Kwazar" spray to inoculate inoculums underground, which is the first such a solution in the world. There are still people who believe that it is impossible to do it our way when they first hear about it!

The range of our interests has widened as well: at first we only prepared inoculums for ericaceous and coniferous, now our offer also includes solutions for willows, vine grapes and endomycorrhizae.

We value our cooperation with scientists, who test our inoculums and judge their practical applicability through numerous experiments. They are research workers of the Research Institute of Pomology and Floriculture in Skierniewice,Poznan University of Life Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn etc. They are, among others: Professor Bożenna Borkowska, Professor Leszek Orlikowski, Professor Stanisława Korszun, Andrzej Klasa, Ph.D., and, last but not least, the co-founder of our company - Andrzej Ksiezniak Ph.D. It would be impossible to list them all. What is important is their input in the development of mycorrhization in Poland.

We see our future in bright colours, as people from Gibraltar to Charkov and Yalta are interested in mycorrhiza. We conduct experiments outside Polish borders, because mycorrhizal fungi are needed almost everywhere, and in many places they are increasingly high valued.

Włodzimierz Szałański

Włodzimierz J. Wojciech Szałański

Konsultanci naukowi

	Professor Bożenna Borkowska — Research worker at the Research Institute of Pomology and Floriculture in Skierniewice, who concentrates on physiological relations between host plants and mycorrhizal fungi. Lately she has been researching the influence of mycorrhizae from our inoculums on the growth of cranberries and northern highbush blueberries. Elected the President of the Polish Mycorrhizal Society for the 1st term. Bożenna Borkowska's information page at "Nauka Polska" (Polish Science) web portal - click here.
	Professor Leszek Orlikowski — Research worker at the Research Institute of Pomology and Floriculture in Skierniewice, head of the Decorative Plants Protection Institute. A renowned phytopathologist, a world authority as far as the protection against Phytophthora ssp. He conducts experiments and tests protective faculties of our inoculums. Leszek Orlikowski's information page at "Nauka Polska" (Polish Science) web portal - click here.
	Professor Stanisława Korszun — Head of the Institute for Dendrology and Horticulture at the Poznan University of Life Sciences. She introduces our inoculums into dendrological practical use and tests them. Stanisława Korszun's information page at "Nauka Polska" (Polish Science) web portal - click here.
	Professor Tadeusz Baranowski — Head of the Institute for Plant Protection at the Poznan University of Life Sciences, scientific consultant of the green urban areas of the city of Poznan. He teaches his students practical knowledge of mycorrhiza. Tadeusz Baranowski's information page at "Nauka Polska" (Polish Science) web portal - click here.
	Andrzej Ksiezniak, Ph.D. — A mycologist dealing with mycorrhizal fungi, working at the Pulawy Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation. The co-founder of the company and its main scientific consultant since the very beginning, author of many isolates - for example Juni X. He has been particularly important for our company. Andrzej Księżniak's information page at "Nauka Polska" (Polish Science) web portal - click here.
	Andrzej Klasa, Ph.D. — Lecturer at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, renowned specialist in the field of renewable power generation, especially relating to energy willow. A great and devoted ecologist. Andrzej Klasa'sinformation page at "Nauka Polska" (Polish Science) web portal - click here.

MYKOFLOR
Włodzimierz Szałański

Rudy 84,
24-130 Końskowola
POLAND

tel. in english
+48 602 505 852 - Andrzej Klasa, Ph.D

Mail (in english): This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Andrzej Klasa, Ph.D

Bank account number:

PL 71 2030 0045 3110 0000 0008 4970 swift code GOPZPLPW

We would like to proudly announce introduction of new inoculum, dedicated for Truffles (Tuber). More informations are presented in this section. Below we present photos of White truffle (Tuber magnatum), Black truffle (Tuber melanosporum), Summer truffle (Tuber aestivum)

White truffle (Tuber magnatum)

                          Black truffle (Tuber melanosporum)          Summer truffle     (Tuber aestivum)

ATTENTION! The Mykoflor company does not assume responsibility for inoculums described as "mycorrhizal" and offered in packages without our logo (trademark registered).
We would also like to inform that any positive effects and results of experiments only relate to inoculums described as "Living mycorrhizal fungous spawn" (Polish: Zywa grzybnia mikoryzowa) offered by the Mykoflor company.

"In accord with Nature" - is the motto of our company. We assume that mycorrhiza has helped plants grow for millions of years.

It is the wild Nature where we find mycorrhizal fungous spawn, extract it, isolate, breed and select the best kinds to offer our customers.

How our mycorrhizal inocula are made:

According to our leading slogan, all the mycorrhizal inocula are natural, as it is the Nature that provides the best solutions. We isolate roots of the trees and bushes from carefully chosen ecosystems. The fungi which inhabit these roots are then isolated, cleaned and reproduced in our laboratory. After the reproduction they are usually tested on living plants and the best sorts are then selected for commercial and practical use.

All the mycorrhizal inocula we offer are a living mycorrhizal fungous spawn, which means that they contain living hyphae of fungous spawn, ready for immediate colonization of the roots as soon as they are within their reach. It is very important, because it is only our company that offers such a wide range of fungous spawn kinds and, simultaneously, owns a unique technology of mycorrhization, which enables introduction of mycorrhizal fungi into the roots system of an already growing large tree.

The details are available at our websites describing the technology and opportunities of mycorrhization.

Living ectomycorrhizal fungous spawn, as opposed to dry substances (if they actually do contain mycorrhizal fungi) are in watery form and does not lose its survivability. As a suspension it offers endurance without losing more than 30 per cent of its survivability rate, up to a few years in a temperature of 0°C.

The most important advantage of this type of inoculum is simplicity and speed of establishing mycorrhizal symbiosis between fungi and a plant, because living mycorrhizal fungous spawn is ready for that virtually every moment and it is just waiting for the roots, which are actually its hosts.

Dry spore inocula are totally different as spores are not so willing to sprout and need additional bio-chemical incentives.

New offer of mycorrhizas for 2012:

Mycorrhizas for home gardening: they are prepared as water – hydrogel suspension of living fungal bodies (mycelium) for immediate use. The detailed instructions of application are given on boxes of given inoculum. We strongly recommend use of bottle just after opening but if it impossible please store open bottle not longer than two weeks in temperature between +1 and +10 centigrade. We guarantee that in 1 ml of our inocula there are at least 100 propagation units (fragments of living mycelium)

Mycorrhizas for home gardens

Conifers – mycelium for whole group of gymnosperms including all conifers (Coniferae) and Ginkgo. Inoculum consists of ectomycorhhizas isolated from roots of Polish conifer trees and mycelium of widely known forest fungi as: Amanita muscaria, Boletus edulis, Suillus luteus, Suillus grevillei, Lactarius deliciosus and others depending on current option of finding good mycorrhizas. From results of many studies and practical applications can be concluded that coniferous trees which were mycorrhized in nursery showed higher establishment ratio comparing to nurseries where seedling are not inoculated by mycorrhizas. Also better health status because of resistance to fungal diseases was found what together with better plant supply in water and nutrients (phosphorus, iron and micronutrients) also good appearance and good pattern of growth resulted from application of mycorrizas. Fruit bodies of edible mushrooms can be additional bonus when they appeared under pines, spruces or larches.

Rhododendrons and other members of heather family – inoculum for these plants contains isolates from roots of heather plants as well as rhododendrons found in Carpatian Mountains. There are some fungi from genera Oidiodendron and Hymenoscyphus sp. which are able to create so called ericodal mycorrhizas (ERM). This fungi in case of heather family are absolutely necessary for normal development of plants in their environment. It is worth to mention that typical for heather family is lack of hairy roots which play an essential role in water supplying in higher plants. If there is lack of mycorrhizas heather plants are unable to grow and many times it leads to dying out. Therefore the effects of mycorrhizas applications are more pronounced on neglected heather plants. Our inoculum was thoroughly tested at the Institute of Pomology and Floriculture in Skierniewice for effectiveness in growth promoting as well for resistance against pathogenic fungi as for example Phythophthora sp. It was found the supporting of plant resistance is one of most important results of artificial mycorrhization.

Highbush blueberry – plant from heather family classified to orchard plants. Their fruit are known as tasty but also they have unique properties in human nutrition. Because of their botanical properties they do not have hair roots and therefore they are susceptible for absence of mycorrhizal fungi. Our inocula contain tested fungi and it is supplemented by new isolates including mycorrhizas collected beyond Arctic Cycle (from Norway). The predominant fungi are Hymenoscyphus sp. which are typical for genus Vaccinium. Mycorrhized blueberry plants give fruit of better quality and quantity and mycorrhized bushes are stronger, have bright green colour and they are more resistant to root diseases and what is very interested that also their leaves are ore resistant to pathogens because of some modifications of their wax layer.

Grapevine – mycorrhizal mycelia were isolated from wild grown plants in Croatia as well from Polish plants created probably the first ectomycorrhizal inocula for grapevine. Contrary to earlier information grapevine shows a very good response for fungal inoculation. It was indicated by high fruit yield, increase of sugars, polyphenols and antocyjanes contents. Ectomycorrizas create a protection barrier against root pathogen (Phytophora, Armillaria). For vineyards located in southern Europe very important can be increasing of plant resistance to draught.

Fruit trees – thie inoculum contains izolates from wild grown fruit trees and other tree from rose family (apple, pear, sweet cherry, hawthorn, rowan etc.) and forest fungi as: Xerocomus chrysanteron, Boletus edulis and others. Effects of mycorrhization are similar to effects found in case of other fruiting plants i.e. yield increase and better resistance against fungal diseases.

Roses – rose plants almost always have normal endomycorrhizas but also in that case we could find specific ectomycorrhizas. Thanks to them roses are able to grow better and bloom longer they show better branching and have better health status. Who wants to have wonderful rose garden should give them our mycorrhiza which cannot be replaced by any fertilizer.

Pot plants, garden flowers, vegetables – in this inoculum there are mainly endomycorrhizas. There is the most universal inoculum in our offer.

Orchids – mycorrhizal inoculum for pot grown orchids of type of typu Phalenopsis, Dendrobium and others. It contains living mycelium isolated from tropical species and as a helper Rhizoctonia solani. It is prepared as hydrogel with suspension of mycelium for direct application just cut off the top and squeeze the content to roots of orchids just after watering. Inoculum can be added to water but than this water cannot be stored. One box contains inoculum for 20 pots.

Grasses – as most of green not woody plants they live in symbiosis with endomycorrhizas. Our inoculum contains fungi from genera Glomus and Gigaspora. Observed result of its application is wonderful, dense lawn resistant to summer draught what is a dream of each lawn owner. Desirable results can be achieved only when mycorrhiza is applied according to given instruction.

All inocula in this case are delivered as concentrates for preparing working liquids before application (recipe for making working solution is here)


How to prepare mycorrhizal inoculum?

1. To bucket pour so much water as it mentioned on bottle with concentrate.
2. Add enclosed hydrogel (white powder) and mix.
3. After gel swallowing (after ca. 1 hour) pour concentrate to the bucket.
4. Solution has to mixed thoroughly if flocculation is observed use kitchen blender (no longer than 1 min) and than apply.
5. In the case of problems call number +48502236128.

Because of biological limitations and production capacity only few of professional inocula will be sold. In most of cases we offer professional inocula only with service of inoclation on site made by Mr Jerzy Nieswadba (tel. +48500 031 733). The composition of inocula is identical with respective inoculum or home gardens. But in the case o inoclum or poplar and willow are available only in version for professionals and in case of inocula for blueberry and grapevine inocula or professionals will be supplemented by helper bacteria which increase resistance of plants against root pathogens as for example FYTOBAK®. For application in urban park we are ready to sell improved inocula for horse chestnut trees which can limit population of horse-chestnut leaf miner to the accepted level.

Willow is a species which responses to mycorrhizal inoculation is a strong and fast. Prepared at our company professional inocula contain isolates from willow roots growing at different locations but best originate from Białowieża Primeval Forest. Inocula are supplemented by addition of fungi from Basidiomycetes family which usually have symbiosis with willow root systems. Their application result in high increase of biomass yield between 50 and 200% therefore if fungi are not applied it is unprofitable.

Poplar as willow needs mycorrhizas what can be seen as known symbiosis with Leccinum aurantiacum. Poplar inocula contain isolates from Polish locations including Białowieża Primeval Forest. Our experiment under conditions of soil draught in Andalusia (south Spain) showed that poplar responses to mycorrhizal inoculation in a very positive way. More information about poplar at our Website.

Truffles since the last year we have been developing inocula contained living mycelium of truffles. We are able according to given order prepare inocula contained any composition of four following species: Tuber aestivum, Tuber magnatum, Tuber uncinatum and Tuber melanosporum. We have been preparing seedling of Turkish hazelnuts trees mycorrhized a the nursery; orders soon can be made at Website WWW.truffletree.pl

Broadleaved trees – inocula for these species can be ordered only together with service. They contain specific isolates from the most important forest trees and edible mushrooms.

Horse chestnut – series of experiments done in 2006 in Poznań let us introduce fungi which show high effectiveness in terms of improving water and nutrients supply together with limitations of harmful effectrs of horse-chestnut leaf miner. Mycorrhization does not pose any side negative effects contrary to application of pesticides.

Endomycorrizas – grasses, annual and perennial species;
others – for individual orders.

The minimal order 10 litres of suspension of living mycelium. Price 500 PLN lus delivery cost., 8% VAT. Prepayment in the case of agreed order has to paid on our account.

PL 71 2030 0045 3110 0000 0008 4970 swift code GOPZPLPW

Important remark to nursery men

Prof Bożenna Borkowska (Institute of Fruit-Growing and Floriculture in Skierniewice) points out a significant correlation between mycorrhization and the method of fertilization in nurseries.

Mycorrhizated plants (particularly newly mycorrhizated ones) should receive limited amounts of fertilizers, since mycorrhizal fungous spawn significantly increases their absorption. Moreover, the proportion of ingredients is important, the perfect one is 3:1:2 NPK. Reducing the amount of fertilizer is obligatory for balanced growth of plants and fungi.

Consequently, mycorrhization is a way of cutting costs.

Methods of applying mycorrhizal inoculants:

How to use the inoculant for plants during either transplantation or vegetation is presented in the pictures below:

Trees in urban areas have a great influence on creating a local microclimate, affecting humidity, temperature, level of sunshine, air circulation – all the factors that make up living conditions that are or are not advantageous for people.

A human being does not put up with long isolation from the nature, so creating ‘green areas’: parks, boulevards, avenues in cities improves living conditions and makes it easier for the inhabitants to relax.

Moreover, trees can be a valuable anti-erosive (from water and wind) protection and have water-retentive properties. They should be grown especially in these areas, that are bound to harmful processes: floods, heavy wind, landslides. Hardly ever do building investments, like roadways and underground works leave natural green areas. These areas are mainly created in the aftermath.

The natural habitat of trees is a forest, where they are subjected to plants and soil interactions, which result in their dynamic equilibrium with environmental factors: where the beneficial microflora is rich, plants grow quickly and healthy. The microorganisms of the roots zone are of the greatest importance: fungi and bacteria, which – throughout association and symbiosis with a plant – create beneficial interactions and support the growth and health of plants.

Urban habitats of trees are principally disadvantageous, or even hostile, for transplanted plants. This is because all the constructions and investments disturb the natural balance.

Benefits of growing trees – planning

Town hall officials are obliged with special acts to create and maintain urban green areas of recreational, pro-health and aesthetic functions. However, ‘caring’ for trees might often be abused, sometimes in such a way, that a tree dies in a few years’ time – this is a way to avoid inconvenient procedure of obtaining permissions for cutting down trees that stand in the way of construction sites.

Choosing species of trees

The main rule is to conform the species to environmental conditions and the plants that already grow in the area. This aims at reducing the level of necessary help and care in the following years.

A general rule is to be careful with introducing foreign species. It is highly recommended to grow rather home species as basic ones, which prepare a habitat and microclimate for more sophisticated and sensitive trees.

It is also beneficial to grow many plants that give out a lot of ethereal oils. However, the oils of coniferous plants have calming influence on human behavior, whilst of the leafy trees – stimulating effect. Similarly, it is recommended to grow plants that cause negative ionization, whose impact on human is advantageous – for example linden, birch and pine.

It is equally important to avoid growing trees or bushes with poisonous fruit in places that are available for children. Such plants include for example: Taxus baccata, lilac, Laburnum, Symphoricarpos albus, Daphne mezereum.

Most trees are tolerant of transplantation. These species include: linden, Platanus, spruce, fir, dwarf mountain pine, Taxus, willow, poplar, red oak. Much more difficult to transplant are: ash tree, Sorbus and oak. Trees that are most difficult to transplant are: pine, birch, robinia, metasequoia, rhus. This is the opinion of the DREWSMOL company (www.drewsmol.pl), which is most experienced in this matter in Poland.

Technology of transplantation – technical and natural conditions

When the upper layer of soil is destroyed, it lacks in nutrients available for plants. This effect escalates due to an autumn habit of removing fallen leaves and cutting the grass, which are a natural nourishment of microorganisms that mineralize organic matter and restore the level essential elements.

Mineral and organic fertilization is not successful as a long-term measure. The best solution is to provide a root system of a plant with an appropriate symbiotic microflora.

The most tangible are mycorrhizal fungi, which establish a connection with a host plant and are supported by association microorganisms. If such a system lives in the roots zone, healthiness and convenience is provided even in extreme conditions.

Why is mycorrhiza and other root microflora so important for trees, especially transplanted ones? The answer to this question must be a complex one, as mycorrhizal fungi have numerous functions. They:

• improve water absorption (due to an extra-root system of filaments the absorbing surface of the roots zone is increased even a few hundred times)

• improve nitrogen usage – also from organic compounds, normally unavailable for plants

• improve absorption of phosphorus, iron and microelements that are very hard to obtain for trees

• protect inertly (habitat competition, stimulation of the immune system) and actively (antagonisms) against pathogenic fungi

• stimulate growth of plants through more effective assimilation

• stimulate propagation through hormones

• increase resistance to frost

• provide better, “lively” looks, which is not an effect of over-fertilization

• improve conditions for growth, regardless of soil alkalinity or acidity

• increase resistance to saltiness of soil

• participate in the creation of soil structure

• have other functions, that are partly unknown and have something to do with detoxification and migration of heavy metals multi-ring aromatic hydrocarbons and in soil

Considering the above mentioned reasons we have to conclude, that mycorrhiza should be used in any kind of non-forest growing trees, particularly trees transplanted to urban areas. Nowadays, it is technically possible, so such tasks are fulfilled in order to save many trees (sometimes even natural monuments) from extinction.

Several rules need to be obeyed during performing such tasks in order to be sure that the transplanted tree will continue its vegetation in new environment.

• Timing
  
  Transplantation needs to take place between the beginning of the absolute rest time and the end of the relative rest time. For leafy trees this means the time between losing color of trees in autumn and creaking buds in spring. For coniferous this is from the end of August (Pinaceae only) after current annual increment in growth becomes a mature wood until the buds grow in spring (end of April).

• How large can a tree be?
  
  Modern technology allows almost every tree to be transplanted. The biggest tree transplanted by a Polish company had a trunk perimeter of 300 cm.

• Technology and the biologic viewpoint
  
  Trees which are going to be transplanted, especially the large ones, need to be prepared for this at least 2 years before. This is making the roots zone (the block that is meant to be taken out) denser. In order to achieve this, the roots that transgress the border of this block are gradually cut. This stage also can include mycorrhization with an appropriate inoculant.

• Remarks
  
  The details are obviously a subject of various scientific works, yet we can mention some things.
  
  A roots system that has been seriously cut is very sensitive, so after transplantation mineral fertilization should not be used. It is beneficial to transplant a tree when the roots zone is frozen.
  
  

Trees are often transplanted into artificial habitats, like urban areas or the green lines near the highways. They have a shock connected with the sudden change of environmental and soil conditions – the bigger the tree, the bigger shock is involved, in case of large, old trees it can last even a few years. In these conditions it is highly recommended to use home species, i.e. these species of trees, that naturally grow in these areas. They are usually better conformed, at least to the local climate. It is possible to help plants acclimatize to new conditions with biological methods, introducing advantageous microorganisms to the roots zone. We should now remind, that the vast majority of large trees transplanted to urban areas come from nurseries that do not mycorrhizate their seedlings. Neither are the trees mycorrhizated during the transplantation, even though they are then being deprived of a lot of their valuable roots. Most often, along with the small roots, mycorrhizal fungous spawn is also taken away, of course if there was any. For all these reasons, mycorrhizating a tree in this conditions might have a particularly beneficial impact on health of a plant.

Summary: outlook for mycorrhization and the use of new technologies It has been proved that all the trees without active, living mycorrhizae are more vulnerable to destructive stress after the transplantation than mycorrhizated ones. The opportunities for mycorrhization depend on the trees themselves:

• trees from nurseries should be mycorrhizated in the early stages of growth, as seedlings.

• if trees from nurseries have not been mycorrhizated, they can still be during transplantation

• trees transplanted to new habitats might have developed mycorrhizae, but in most cases they have not. It is also very important, that these trees are being deprived of more than 80% of their roots, so they also should be inoculated.

To sum up, the process of mycorrhization is particularly important for the transplanted trees. It is connected with all the functions of symbiotic fungous spawn that have been presented in this article. Using this opportunity results in better acclimatization and both active and passive protection against root pathogens.

As a result, chances for successful growth and vegetation increase rapidly, in spite of such disadvantageous conditions like in urban areas, communication lines etc.

Bibliography

1. 
   
   Czerwieniec M., Lewińska J. Zieleń w mieście (Green areas in cities) Inst. Gospodarki Przestrzennej i Komunalnej, Kraków 2000.
2. 
   Pokorski J., Siwiec A.: Kształtowanie terenów zieleni (Creating green areas) Warszawa 1998.
3. 
   Niemirski W.: Kształtowanie terenów zieleni (Creating green areas) Wyd. Arkady, Warszawa 1973.
4. 
   Siewniak M.: Drzewa w centrum miasta. Ogrody, ogródki, zieleńce – nr 1 (Trees in city centres. Gardens. – issue 1),1999; s. 76-83.
5. 
   Szczepanowska B.H.: Drzewa w mieście (Trees in a city) Wyd. Hortpress, Warszawa 2001

A letter from the Botanic Garden of the Jagellonian University in Cracow.

Ericaceous plants (Rhododendron, Calluna, Vaccinium, Erica itp.) are mostly advised to be provided with great amounts of high peat, because the basement soil must have a reduced pH of 4-4,5. It is also often suggested to dig holes and fill them with forest bedding, which is forbidden by the foresters. We have some more efficient ideas which we would like to share with ericaceous plants amateurs.

Having observed the growth and health of ericaceous plants in their natural habitat we can conclude that costly processes of reducing pH are not necessary. It is mycorrhizal spawn that has a weird ability to reduce the level of pH from too high to the optimal one. I can say with a total confidence that it is possible to refrain from digging costly holes and filling them with peat, which can be instead used to enrich the humus and improve the air-water conditions. In order to do this, we should mix the peat with the basement soil - why not to provide our plants with this kind of luxury?

These remarks are result of a few years of experience and our own observations. Obviously, where the plants cannot grow properly it is advised to provide them with natural mycorrhizal inoculum, not to make the soil more acidic through injecting some vinegar, as I have recently read in a newspaper. In their natural habitats, plants (berries in the forest, for example) do not have such problems, as the Mother Nature has provided them with the miracle of mycorrhiza. Should you have any doubts, I have the reference of science authorities who have checkd the pH in my garden.

The plants grow in the soil without additional "soil-enrichement".

On 19-20 June I visited the Lithuanian Forestry Telsiai (Telsiu Misku Uredija). I delivered the mycorrhizal inoculums they ordered and I had a look at their nursery. It was indeed very nice to enjoy such a nice welcome and to see the foresters' satisfaction with trees growing fast. I received several photos taken by Eugeniusz Barniskis, which are posted below so that everybody can see how efficient micorrhyza is in nurseries.

Włodzimierz Szałański

All the plants in their natural habitats establish mutual co-existence with soil microorganisms. In the roots zone the dynamics of this process is the most significant and it affects vegetation of plants and soil conditions both directly and indirectly.

The soil penetrated by the root system (or rhyzosphere) is a habitat of different groups of microorganisms: those which decay organic substance and those which affect a plant by means of different kinds of interactions with the roots system. The latter group includes both disease-causing pathogens and some that stymulate growth of plants, provide plants with nutrients which they would not otherwise absorb and microorganisms which can protect a plant against pathogens.

For a plant, the most important form of co-existence is symbiosis with fungi (called mycorrhiza) and bacteria. The main feature of such a symbiosis is that no harmful interactions are possible, while the beneficial influence will be significant in supporting growth and protecting against pathogens, especially in conditions which make plants vulnerable to diseases.

If we observe stable and healthy eco-systems we will discover, that despite the pathogens living there, the plants are healthy. The problems begin, when the subtle equilibrium collapses and parasitic microorganisms take over in the roots zone.

As a result, a problem occures that is feared of by everyone who deals with any kind of plants production: the plants begin to fall ill. Obviously, we can use the helpful hand of chemical industry, which has been waiting for such an opportunity. However, once applied, pesticides tend to weaken the natural resistance of the environment, by eliminating both harmful and beneficial microorganisms.

Specific conditions of environment for the growth of plants are created in nursery production. The basement soil that is used bases upon high peat or on its substitutes of similar properties, like cocoa fibre, brown coal and others. These kinds of basement soil are very convenient for nursery men, but are deprived of these kinds of microorganisms, that in natural ecosystems protect the plants against pathogens.

A question should be asked: how can we use biological methods of protecting plants in conditions of nurseries? Let us try to answer this question, at least partly, and attempt to search for sensible solutions.

The solutions can be found in the nature, since had it not had them, all the plants would have become infected by parasite-based diseases. One of the methods of preventing attack is plants' immunity to diseases and their ability to defeat a pathogen.

This ability, however, is sometimes not sufficient, as (especially in intensive production in nurseries) this border can be easily broken, particularly in pathogen-friendly conditions.

In order to change this situation, it is important in intensive production to try to provide the plants with their natural allies: mycorrhizal fungi and bacterial microflora appropriate for the roots of the plants.

The microorganisms that have been mentioned can both protect the plants against pathogens and restrain their activity in soil. Defensive function of these microorganisms bases on antagonisms: antibiosis, mycolysis, nutritious and habitational competition or parasition of pathogens.

Developing biological methods of plants protection in nurseries seems to be a reasonable alternative to chemical protection: pesticides. These chemical compounds are assumed to eliminate pathogens, although they can indirectly (for example through the products of self-desintegration) restrain the activity of beneficial microflora.

Our company produces mycorrhizal inoculants of highest possible efficiency, which are isolated from habitats which require plants to be resistant to soil-based diseases. Moreover, basing upon this habitats, we prepare bacterial inoculants. We carry out initial research, but even the results of the first experiments suggest, that it be the right way to achieve healthy decorative and forest plants. A huge advantage of mycorrhizal and bacterial inoculants is the fact, that they co-exist with a plant throughout its lifetime.

The results of latest experiments with our inoculant that is destructive to Phythophthora cinnamomi show that there is a great chance of introducing effective biological protection against this pathogen. The bacteria isolated from the roots zone, which was in vitro highly antagonistic, proved to be equally efficient in soil. The density of pathogen inoculum was a few times higher than in natural conditions; in spite of this, the FYTOBAK LB inoculant was very effective and protected 90% of plants from the infection. Interpolating these results into nursery and field conditions we can assume, that the efficiency is approx 100%. The results are presented in the table below.

Remarks:

• Lawson's „Columnaris” cypress was used in this experiment

• Set in the ground: 9.05.2005; 4 times repeated with 10 new plants

• Observations: number of infected plants (a= 10)

• Quantity of Ph. Cinnamomi 135 j.prop./g

• Averages marked with the same letter do not differ significantly (5%) according to the Duncan's test

Skierniewice-Końskowola; July 22, 2005

Last summer in the Research Institute of Pomology and Floriculture the Prof. Leszek Orlikowski's team conducted pre-registration research of a new bacterial inoculum (contains a few species) that protects plants actively and intertly against Phythophthora cinnamomi. It has remarkable properties, because aside from its antagonism to Phythophthora it tolerates mycorrhizal fungi and, to some extent, stimulates growth of plants. It can be used together with mycorrhizal inoculum and it has been proved to be much more efficient this way. It will be available in 2006 for production tests.

In order to face the problem of protecting alder trees (Alnus sp.) we have prepared our first mycorrhizal inoculant antagonistic to Phythophthora alni. After the in-vitro tests we intend to conduct testings in pots and in field.

In order to check what the results are, if any, of our new inoculum for orchideas, we experimented with a tenuous piece of "Phalenopsis". Mycorrhizal fungous spawn was aplied a month before the date on the first picture, following pictures show further effects in time.

An orchid a month after the mycorrhization - click the picture to zoom it

An orchid 6 weeks after the mycorrhization - click the picture to zoom it

An orchid 10 weeks after the mycorrhization - click the picture to zoom it

This is what our orchid will look like in half a year - click the picture to zoom it

Mycorrhiza is, beyond any doubt, one of the best Nature's ideas to improve vegetation and vivacity of plants. Mycorrhizal symbiosis with specific fungi is used by most plants in inland ecosystems

The mechanism of cooperation of two organisms which are so different from each other started several hundred million years ago, when plants began to conquer new inland habitats. The mutual cooperation of plants and fungi has proved so efficient and beneficial, that it has lasted ever since in every type of environmental conditions. Mycorrhiza is an incredibly ubiquitous phenomenon.

Morphological differentiation of mycorrhizae is connected to specific features of symbiotic fungi and root system of plants. The most popular are ecto- and endomycorrhizae and mycorrhizae of ericaceous plants

Mycorrhizal symbiosis is, above all, nutritious relation between a fungus and a plant. In exchange for part of carbohydrates which a fungus collects from the root of a plant, it gains substantial aid in accessing nutritious elements in the soil.

The most important function of mycorrhizal fungi is their ability to build a "bridge" connecting the plant to the soil: hyphae of the fungi penetrate and colonize roots of a plant on one hand, on the other hand - they establish direct contact to the soil.

Thanks to a 1000-fold increase in the soil-penetrating abilities of the fungi-root system of the host plant, the flow of water and nutritious elements improves substantially, enhancing growth opportunities of the plant. By building a balance of mutual nutrition, mycorrhizal plants are more vivacious and competitive in conquering their ecosystems than plants without mycorrhiza.

Better survivability and robustness of plants is also supported by several other functions of mycorrhiza:

passive and active protection of root system against soil diseases
modifications of biotic environment in the root system
aggregating soil particles - which also fertilizes the soil


Mycorrhiza is a natural phenomenon, but under conditions of garden or nursery production of plants it is often eliminated by utilization of synthetic or sterilized growth backing and chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Mycorrhiza is the most natural and environment-friendly way to increase growth and vivacity of plants.

Andrzej Księżniak, Ph.D.

In the first week of April Jerzy Nieswadba and me were visiting Croatia again. Our representative Mr. Robert Ślęzak has prepared several trials with artificial mycorrhization with new inocula which were prepared using Croatian biological materials. These new inocula are very important for success of olive trees and grapes in Croatia and particularly at Istria Peninsula.

I am absolutely sure that results of those trials will be important also in other Mediterranean areas because there frequently occurred draughts reduce profitability of these crops.

Inocula for olive trees were applied in several rows of olive orchard called OMAJOLA located at Istria Peninsula. There is certified organic plantation awarded by several awards because of high quality and extraordinary taste and properties of olive oil produced there – please browse the Website www.omajolas.com .

Picture 1 General view of olive tree orchard where mycorrhization was performed

Our inocula have already been applied at part of plantations of two another olive trees growers. There the effects of mycorrhization will be observed and if the results are positive the remained areas wil be treated.

Picture 2 Here we were working as well

Mycorrhizal isolates obtained from natural sites in Croatia were applied in vineyards where owners appreciate benefits of mycorrhizas but so far no-one was able to produce inocula with living mycelium of ectomycorrhizal isloates collected from natural habitats. We were surprised realizing that one owner of vineyard made his PhD thesis in Italy working with mycorrhiza. Vines which we tasted there showed very good quality. We have inoculated three rows in his vineyard and we believe that vine made of grapes grown there will have even higher quality what will give evidence of beneficial effects of mycorrhizas on grapes quality.

Picture 3 Mycorrhization at vineyard

We strongly believe that Croatia after joining EU will be the best example of beneficial effects of artificial mycorrhizas for the rest of Southern Europe and therefore we will visit this country more frequently.

From Croatia we have brought more new isolates of mycorrhizal fungi and basing on them we will produce new inocula for oranges, lemon trees, common walnut, common fig, other fruit trees, grapes and olive trees including truffles.

Włodzimierz Szałański