Mycorrhizae – the key to a successful bare root planting

Whilst bare root shrubs, plants and fruits can be planted all year round, autumn through to early spring is known as bare root season as plants are dormant, the weather is cooler and there is more chance of rain to help bed them in.

However, the key to a successful bare root season is ensuring they have the best possible start and Vitax Q4 Rootmore Mycorrhizal Fungi is the perfect planting partner as it helps to stimulate growth and encourage a strong root system.

What are mycorrhizal fungi?

The key to understanding the benefits of Vitax Q4 Rootmore, is understanding what mycorrhizal fungi are and the symbiotic relationship they have with a plant’s roots.

Mycorrhizal fungi live in the soil and are microorganisms that colonise roots, forming a biological link between the plant and the soil.

Effectively enlarging the root system with a surface area up to 1,000 times its original size, the mycorrhizae enable the plant to efficiently access much more nutrients and water, allowing plants to establish quicker, grow faster and larger. The benefits are long-lasting and ideal for bare root trees, shrubs, roses and more.

Q4 Rootmore contains a blend of mycorrhizal fungi, seaweed, humates, beneficial bacteria and biostimulants to create stronger healthier plants.

Ideal for planting out or transferring plants to new pots, you simply add Q4 Rootmore to the bottom of the planting hole so roots are in close contact.

Which plants can benefit from using Vitax Q4 Rootmore?
Most perennial plants, shrubs, trees, vegetables and grasses will benefit from using Vitax Q4 Rootmore; the only exceptions being brassicae, and a few acid loving species like laurel, rhododendron, azalea, blueberry, cranberry and loganberry.

The benefits of adding mycorrhizal fungi at the point of planting are seven-fold:

1. Improved nutrient uptake: when planting new trees and shrubs sometimes the soil structure is poor. The fungi will help young roots access nutrients by effectively extending the root system, increasing the plant’s ability to absorb essential nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen.2. Enhanced drought tolerance: increased ability to absorb water, especially during root establishment.
3. Bolsters defences against diseases and pests: enhances a tree or shrubs natural defence mechanisms, helping survival and promoting long-term health.
4. Enhanced root development: encourages the development of a more extensive and complex root system to provide better stability.
5. Stress resistance: protects against challenging environmental conditions, such as contaminated or polluted soil.
6. Reduction in water needs: The improved water-absorption capabilities reduce the amount of irrigation required.
7. Promotion of soil health: enhances soil structure, creates stable soil aggregates, increases soil aeration and water-holding capacity to help roots thrive.

The good news is that whilst it is good to know the benefits of mycorrhizal fungi, Vitax Q4 Rootmore is easy to apply and does all the hard work, helping to produce strong, resilient plants.