From toxicity mitigation to drought tolerance, mycorrhizal relationships between plants and fungi stand to benefit growers as an easy production choice for their nursery crops. We caught up with Scott Inman, Director of R&D, Regulatory, and Facilities at Mycorrhizal Applications, to learn some of the benefits of using mycorrhizal fungi.

How can mycorrhizal fungi help growers maximize nutrient uptake and overall plant nutrition?

The symbiotic relationship between the plant and the mycorrhizal fungi maximizes nutrient uptake because the mycorrhizae create a hyphal network (a.k.a. mycelium) within the root zone that has the ability to capture nutrients in the growing media or soil that are otherwise unavailable to the plant. The mycorrhizal hyphae effectively increase the absorptive surface area of the roots (50x) by acting as a living extension and capturing more of the nutrients applied by the grower, so less fertilizer gets flushed through the pots. Mycorrhizae also have the ability to capture both the bioavailable and tightly bound forms of the nutrients by solubilizing unavailable forms of key nutrients and delivering them directly to the plant. The mycorrhizae provide nutrients to the plant in exchange for carbon, and growers benefit from this fundamental symbiosis in the form of nutrient efficiency.

How can mycorrhizae help plants become more drought-tolerant?

The mycorrhizal mycelial network actively sources and delivers water directly to the plant and has different mechanisms to support a plant’s drought tolerance. The mycelium’s hyphal strands have the ability to absorb water along the entire length of their hyphae and deliver it directly to the plant’s vascular system, increasing absorptive surface area. The hyphae are a lot smaller than roots and can penetrate pore spaces that the root cannot. And most importantly for drought tolerance, the mycorrhizae can store water for times of drought, both within the mycelium itself, which stores water like a sponge, but also in structures called vesicles that endomycorrhizae form within the root cells which store liquid in the form of lipids that the plant can access in times of need.

During times of extended drought stress, the plant is able to be much more efficient overall because it doesn’t need to invest as much in root growth to try to locate additional water in the rhizosphere. The mycorrhizae is investing in doing the growing, using the carbon that the plant provides in exchange for water and nutrients. Therefore, the plant doesn’t have to expend the same amount of energy when resources are scarce, once that mycorrhizae association has already been developed, and it has access to the assistance provided by the symbiotic fungal partner.

How can mycorrhizae mitigate toxic soils? What are some other soil health benefits?

Mycorrhizae can grow, penetrate, and colonize plants in different soils and filter out toxic elements to protect their plant partners. The mycorrhizae absorb the toxic elements such as heavy metals or sodium, which may have been present in the water or in the soil/media, and the fungi will hold the toxic elements, and then transport the beneficial nutrients and water to the plant. You end up with a plant that actually can function and be productive in conditions that otherwise would be toxic, due to this buffering effect of the mycorrhizae.

What should growers know about application for the best outcome?

The key to the best outcome is simple: just make sure that the mycorrhizal inoculant gets applied in a way that puts the active ingredients directly into the root zone, because that is where the symbiotic relationship is formed. Once growers get it into their root zone, the plant will drive the relationship based on its needs.

With our MycoApply line of professional inoculants, growers have a diverse array of efficient application options, including soil/media incorporation, soil drench, plug/propagation tray drench, drip irrigation, boom spray, bare root treatment, and many more.

For more: https://mycorrhizae.com

As a grower, you’re looking for growing media that can elevate your crop production process, not complicate it. Frederic Gagnon, Lambert Peat Moss agronomist, tells us how Lambert develops consistent mixes that growers trust.

How does peat quality affect the success a nursery has with its growing media?

Peat quality can make the difference between a very successful crop or an average one. It is the base of your production, the foundation. You can try to correct or improve a so-so quality peat by adding a lot of perlite or other components, but the base will remain the weak point. A great quality peat will provide you with a mix structure that will provide lot of porosity/air space. It becomes possible when the harvest is well done by conserving the peat fibers’ integrity, so less dust or fine particles are created. Those fine particles will not add any mix volume because they are hiding in the air space, reducing it.

What steps does Lambert take to improve peat quality?

We focus on the harvest procedures. That’s the first step and it’s very critical as this raw peat will be your material to work with. You need to put a lot of care into preparing the field for harvest and always keep an eye on the weather forecast. The decision to go out in the field to do some preparation work should be done when you can reasonably predict a harvest period. It’s evident that nobody can predict a unexpected thunderstorm that will ruin your preparation work (forcing you to do it again and breaking fibers), but it’s always wise to play safe.

Photos courtesy Lambert Peat Moss

How does Lambert ensure consistency in each type of mix it produces?

The consistency is for sure the main point of a quality control department. Producing a consistent product from batch to batch is always very appreciated by customers. They can rely on a recipe that they applied before and can expect the same results. We have technical specifications for all the mixes and no products leave our yard if some criteria are out of the required ranges. It’s insurance for the growers that chemical and physical characteristics are as expected when the order was placed.

How does Lambert work with growers to help them determine the right type of mix for their needs?

We discuss it with them; that’s the first thing. Production management, container sizes and types, locations, etc. are different points that influence the recommendation that will be made. You cannot only focus on the crop as Texas and the Northeast U.S., for example, will not necessary require the same mix in wintertime! You need to know how a new customer’s greenhouse is set or if a long-time customer makes some changes and needs something slightly different. Communication is very important. 

For more: www.lambertpeatmoss.com

Since 1986, The HC Companies has produced an array of horticulture plastic containers. But as growers and equipment continues to evolve, the company has adapted its products accordingly, and offers containers that work well with automated processes. Sales manager Tom Brewer shares insight on those automation-based containers and how they can enhance your production process.

What type of containers does The HC Companies sell?

We have containers which work well in greenhouse and nursery production. We manufacture containers for large growers cultivating crops to sell to either independent garden centers or to big-box retail garden centers like Walmart, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Kroger and Costco for example, as well as smaller growers who service their own retail operations. Our nursery containers are made in a few different ways: The injection-molded containers — available in #1, 2, 3 ,5, 7, 10, 15 and 20 trade sizes — are heavy-duty plastic pots that many times are floor stacked in truck trailers. These are used by growers who are shipping their product across country. The thermoformed pots — available in #1, 2, 3 and 5 sizes — are lighter than the injection containers but will still do well in outdoor, long crop production cycles. The more economical pot is the blow-molded container that is similar to thermoform, but can come in larger sizes like 25, 45 and 65 gallons.

What’s the difference between the round, tray, flat and sheet containers other than shape?

It really depends on the growers’ unique market and what specific plant varieties are going to be grown in the container. If it’s for a bedding plant, growers can use a tray pack. Examples include impatiens, petunias or marigolds, plants which can be grown in a rectangular shaped tray for packs. The more premium plants can go into the larger round containers, which would be azaleas or premium vegetative type plants like Supertunias, or a lot of varieties that are sought after. But it really depends on what the nursery or greenhouse growers’ specialty is, and HC will match the container to their need.

How has The HC Companies adapted its products to automation?

When we talk about automation, we’re looking for ways to reduce touch. The whole mantra of the grower is, “How can I eliminate the handling of someone picking things up at point A and moving it to point B? How can we streamline that process?” As nurseries and greenhouses move forward, they are looking for ways to use systems — conveyor systems, forking systems or any kind of system that will reduce the amount of times people handle material. The HC Companies has containers suitable for different applications. We have easily de-stacked pots which will work with de-stacking equipment; we also have a series of square press fit pots and trays where growers can take an empty flat and press it onto a stack of pots. We are always looking for ways to make containers that will match those systems.

Why should growers consider The HC Companies for their container needs?

HC is a combination of many storied brands. We have a large, national network of sales reps which means there’s someone in nearly every region who can visit the nursery and actually look at what the application is in order to make a suggestion. All of our containers are made here in the United States, and we work with some great distributors. Over the years, I’ve also noticed that nurseries and greenhouses are always looking for something new, so we try to keep our finger on that pulse continuously. 

For more: hc-companies.com/nursery-pots

Whether it’s a simple poly house or a more complex greenhouse structure, annual inspections and year-end maintenance tasks are critical. Chris Kirschner, regional sales manager at Atlas Manufacturing, describes what to look for and what to consider before the next growing season.

What are some important steps to take before buttoning up an overwintering structure?

Boots on the ground, eyes on the greenhouse! Look at your buildings with a walk around looking at the outside of the building but also inside looking out. Are there gaps around shutters or vents, doors or openings? Are there holes in your covering? Now is the time to order your poly patch tape to make any repairs. Check to make sure your poly inflation fan is working properly and order a spare. Are there places that need caulked to stop heat from leaking out or cold air from coming in? Check thermostats and heater and/or fan settings and make any necessary adjustments. This is also a great time to winterize or blow out water lines outside of the house.

What signs of wear on film determine that it’s time for a replacement?

No one really likes to fix something that’s not broke, but going into winter with covering that is marginal is not ideal. Inspect your covering closely. Overall, it may look fine, but look closely at the poly all the way around the perimeter. Everywhere the poly is held down by a fastener is a likely wear spot and could show some sings of tearing. Look closely at the poly where it crosses the structure’s framing, such as bows or purlins. Has it rubbed and turned gray? That “graying” could also be hiding small cracks or tears. Check the age of the covering. Keep updated records and consider using a Sharpie to write the install date somewhere on all your coverings. Try to use the same spot on every house if possible. A piece of poly film that looks fine but has been on for eight years needs to be replaced regardless of how it looks.

How significant is light transmission when it comes to film? How severely can the lack of light affect crops?

Light transmission is key. When trying to equate light transmission, on average, a rough idea of growth to light is equal. Therefore, just increasing your light transmission by 1-2% will give you an increase in plant growth of 1-2%. When you think of a double poly film covering having a light transmission range of 75-85% on average, discoloration or yellowing can greatly reduce this, which reduces plant growth. If you can increase plant growth by 5%, you might just pay for that new covering one year earlier.

When it comes to structures, in what instance(s) should growers not skimp on budget?

Do not skimp on loading and engineering. Never try to build a structure that doesn’t meet the snow and wind loads required for your area. You may have every intention of taking the covering off in the winter before storms, but in two or three years when the market has changed, you might need that space. If you’re going to take up precious land and put up a greenhouse, do it right and make sure that it’s versatile and will be able to react with changing markets and customer’s needs.

What are some structure upgrades that typical nursery growers should

consider? Just a few years ago, technology to remotely access and control your greenhouse was expensive and, in most cases, cost more than the average hoop house. Today that’s not the case. While you’re attending to other chores, crops, travelling, managing people or whatever your daily schedule demands, physically checking the temperature or manually turning equipment on or off just doesn’t add up. Technology now allows you to receive alerts when temps fall out of the parameters. You can adjust temperatures from your phone. You can regulate the watering or light cycle with the push of a button. Don’t get stuck in the dark ages. With automation, you’re not just saving time, you’re saving money and energy. By reading graphs and looking at your temps and energy use, you can make changes to optimize your efficiency. You’d be surprised at what little investment this can take.

For more: https://atlasgreenhouse.com