July 2024 - A11

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
In recent
decades,
there
has been
increasing
interest
among plant
scientists in
beneficial soil
organisms.
Research
indicates that
natural bacteria
and fungi are
crucial for helping
plants fight
diseases, access
nutrients, and
manage water
during shortages,
significantly
boosting their
growth and
health. As
research surges
and numerous
products become
available, it's vital
for growers to
stay informed
about the best
options.
In this series of
3 articles, we
collaborated
with experts at
Premier Tech,
including Martin
Trépanier,
Scientific Expert
Director of Active
Ingredients,
Félix LaRocheJohnston,
Innovation,
Research
&
Development
Manager, and
Geneviève
Lachance,
Project Manager
of Active
Ingredients, to
delve deeper
into the roles
of Mycorrhizae
and Bacillus in
horticulture.
BOOSTING CROP GROWTH
The Power of Mycorrhizae
What are Mycorrhizae
Mycorrhizae are a symbiotic association
between plant roots and fungi. Of these,
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) have
played a crucial role in plant nutrition and
productivity in ecosystems and natural,
undisturbed environments since they first
appeared on dry land more than 450 million
years ago. However, for cultivated farmlands,
and especially in soilless growing media which
lack native mycorrhizae, their introduction is
essential to enhance plant health, improve plant
accessibility to water and nutrients, and to
maximize crop yields.
Effectiveness Relies on Spore Viability
The effectiveness of mycorrhizal products
depends on their spores' viability; some spores
can effectively colonize roots and withstand
stress, while others cannot. This distinction
between viable and non-viable spores is crucial.
Unlike other producers who grow mycorrhizae
on plants in greenhouses, potentially resulting in
non-viable propagules, Premier Tech guarantees
the viability, concentration, longevity, and
colonization ability of their spores. Martin
explains that Premier Tech's edge comes
from their innovative approach: " After years of
research, we established the world's largest
endomycorrhizal inoculum production facility in
2000, introducing an industrial-scale production
process in a strictly controlled and aseptic
environment. This process guarantees the ability
of our spores to colonize roots. "
Selected Species
According to Geneviève, " Many years ago, we
isolated a few strains of mycorrhizae from the
soil. After several tests and thorough research,
we found that Rhizophagus irregularis, formerly
known as Glomus intraradices, was the most
versatile and convenient species that we
were able to produce and integrate at higher
concentrations. Many studies confirmed
the efficiency of our strain of Rhizophagus
irregularis in different growing environments. We
preferred to select a single species well-suited
for most plant and soil conditions than dilute
it with other species that may be good in very
specific situations. "
Versatility
" The mycorrhizal
species
Rhizophagus
irregularis stands
out among its
peers for its
cooperative
behavior in
nutrient transfer,
as documented
in various studies.
This species has
shown superior
effectiveness in nutrient uptake and plant
colonization, distinguishing itself in several field
trials. Adapted to a wide range of soil pH levels,
Rhizophagus irregularis is particularly good at
transferring phosphorus from the soil directly
to the plant roots, unlike other mycorrhizal
species which may use or store the phosphorus
as a reserve. This makes it one of the most
effective mycorrhizal species under controlled
conditions, " said Félix.
Microscopic view of a plant's root
colonized by mycorrhizae.
Source: Premier Tech.
Premier Tech's Distinctiveness
Leveraging the Rhizophagus irregularis strain,
Premier Tech has developed AGTIV® REACH™,
a technology engineered to enhance the plant
root system, enabling more efficient absorption
of nutrients and water, thus promoting robust
plant growth and resilience. Available as an
AGTIV® inoculant or integrated into PRO-MIX®
professional growing media.
AGTIV® REACH™ not only improves plant
performance and stress tolerance by enhancing
nutrient and water uptake but also plays a critical
role in enhancing soil structure and boosting plant
survival and establishment. AGTIV® REACH™
effectively mobilizes essential nutrients, such
as phosphorus, zinc, manganese, and copper,
to provide continued benefits throughout
the plant's lifecycle, enhancing overall plant
productivity and reducing cultivation costs.
Premier Tech InFocus | A11
July 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of July 2024
