Why should I choose LALRISE MAX WP with MYCONNECT® Technology over competitive brands?
Not only have we improved upon the conventional way of producing mycorrhizal spores through a highly efficient manufacturing process that ensures unparalleled quality, viability, and purity of the active ingredients, but we leverage the knowledge and expertise that comes with over a hundred years of continuous research by Lallemand in the development and production of yeasts, bacteria and their derivatives to improve the overall effectiveness of our mycorrhizal inoculants.
- Choice of species
LALRISE MAX WP is based on a single species of carefully selected mycorrhizal fungus, which is dominant and native in agricultural fields worldwide, ultra-aggressive at establishing the connection with the plant roots and to create the mycorrhizal network, resulting in better short-term outcomes and long run performance.
- Concentration in spores
LALRISE MAX WP promotes a concentration of mycorrhizal fungal spores whose viability, ability to colonize roots and shelf life far exceeds that of hyphal fragments counted in the concentrations displayed in propagules by competitors. Spores are the only true reproductive and surviving structures produced by mycorrhizal fungi. They pack high reserves of energy and can be stored for extended periods of time in the appropriate conditions.
- Exclusive use of the MYCONNECT® Technology
MYCONNECT is the technology that accelerates and improves the establishment of mycorrhizae for more predictable results. It combines the mycorrhizal fungus with a specific inactivated yeast, which increases the speed, effectiveness and frequency of root colonization for even faster establishment of mycorrhizae and access to agronomic benefits.
- Potential of uses in programs with in-house solutions for greater potential of synergy and complementarity.
- Synergistic aptitudes to maximize the transfer and the absorption of nutrients made available by a PGPR.
- Enhance PGPR effectiveness
- Improve success rate and overall benefits
- Yeast extract improve effectiveness (patented, MYCONNECT)
- Complementarity in an integrated pest control program based on optimized and natural plant nutrition for increased control of root diseases, better tolerance to environmental stresses and a significant increase in yields.
- Well documented plant protection benefits
- Increase plant health / Effective at translocating water, macro- and micro-nutrients
- Increase plant stress resistance (biotic & abiotic)
What are the benefits of mycorrhizae?
LALRISE MAX WP with MYCONNECT Technology offers the following benefits:
- Boost plant growth and yields to generate more profit per hectare/acre with less fertilizer inputs
- Ensure faster and stronger roots establishment to decrease losses due to strong winds
- Increase tolerance to drought, therefore reduce watering needs and economic losses
- Increase the survival rate of seedlings and decreases losses in early growth stages
- Increase phosphorus and nutrients absorption to reduce operation cost linked to fertilizers and eliminate potential conflicts with environmental policies (phosphate leakages causing blue-green algae)
- Improve soil structure to prevent erosion
- Easy-to-use and function-oriented product that increases overall soil fertility with transferable benefits in crop rotations
- Powerful sustainable agro-ecological product that surpasses economic results you would achieve using only chemical fertilizers, while reducing your environmental footprint
In addition, LALRISE MAX WP integrates MYCONNECT Technology which combines the mycorrhizal active ingredient with a specific inactivated yeast. This unique combination accelerates root colonization by 80% and increases the frequency of connections by 50% during the first weeks of growth, thus ensuring faster establishment of mycorrhizae and access to agronomic benefits.
I practice conventional agriculture / horticulture; why is it good to use LALRISE MAX WP?
LALRISE MAX WP with MYCONNECT® Technology offers a stunning return on investment. It allows you to increase your yields and productivity level, in a cost-effective way, while reducing your phosphate fertilizer needs by up to 30%. This is explained by the beneficial action of the application of LALRISE MAX WP, which connects to plant roots and develop a large network of root-like extensions (hyphae), allowing a maximized access to water and soil micro- and macro-nutrients like nitrates (N), phosphates (P), and potassium (K). Thus, by reducing your initial fertilizer input and applying our mycorrhizae, you will increase profitability, get bigger yields and prevent harmful phosphate leakage in fresh water sources. This beneficial interaction, transferable in crop rotations and to downstream users, is considered the foundation of soil health and fertility.
I practice organic agriculture / horticulture; how can LALRISE MAX WP help me?
MyConnect© products allow you to achieve substantial increase in yields when you already practice organic agriculture / horticulture. This additional productivity is due to the beneficial action of mycorrhizae which connect to plant roots and develop a large network of root-like extensions (hyphae), allowing a maximized access to water and soil micro- and macro-nutrients like nitrates (N), phosphates (P), and potassium (K). Further, mycorrhizae increase overall plant health and nutritional value. This beneficial interaction, transferable in crop rotations and to downstream users, is considered the foundation of soil health and fertility.
What are mycorrhizae?
Mycorrhizae are highly specialized natural connections formed between plants and beneficial soil-occurring microorganisms called the mycorrhizal fungi. The process occurs as the fungi connect to the root system and develop a massive underground network of filament-like extensions called hyphae, enabling plants maximized access to soil nutrients and water.
How do mycorrhizae work?
Once a mycorrhizal fungi spore germinates, it connects to the plant roots and forms specialized exchange structures. It will then grow out in the surrounding soil to create an extensive network of filament-like extensions (reminiscent of a web). This network increases by 100-1000 fold the plant capacity to catch nutrients between roots and beyond their reach. Mycorrhizae will then drive nutrients, such as phosphate, nitrogen, potassium, microelements, and water to the plant in exchange for sugars. Not only does this relationship promotes bigger yields, plant health and nutrition, it also increases resistance to stresses. Mycorrhizae have also been shown to activate the beneficial soil microbial activity associated with plant roots (i.e. rhizosphere), increasing soil fertility and structure.
What is the difference between endo- and ecto-mycorrhizae?
Endo-mycorrhizae (the ones found in LALRISE MAX WP with MYCONNECT Technology product line) form connections with plants inside the root core, through specialized structures called arbuscules, where the nutrient exchanges take place. This type of mycorrhizae establishes relationships with more than 85% of plant species worldwide, including most major commercial agricultural and horticultural crops. Ecto-mycorrhizae, on the other hand, do not penetrate inside the core of the plant roots, but rather develop between the root cells and form a complex nutrient exchange interface called the Hartig net. They are mainly specific to woody plants, such as trees and shrubs, thus especially beneficial in the forestry and landscaping sectors.
Are mycorrhizae compatible with all soil types and conditions?
Although results may vary depending on soil types and conditions, inoculation with mycorrhizae are always beneficial when applied correctly and in sufficient amount. The optimal PH range is generally between 4 and 8. Mycorrhizae, especially species selected for mycorrhizal inoculants with MYCONNECT, have proven effectiveness in saline, acidic and alkaline soils, while improving plants tolerance to stresses like drought, salinity, heavy metals and petroleum contamination. This shows its resilience and tolerance to a broad range of conditions.
If my soil already contains mycorrhizae, will I benefit in adding more?
The answer is yes. First, in most conventional agricultural field, the natural mycorrhizal fungi populations have been destroyed over time due to practices such as tilling, repeated pesticide applications and high dose of chemical fertilizer. The number left would pale in comparison to natural undisturbed environment. Reintroducing a solid population will greatly benefit your crops. Second, in organic soils, even if the population of mycorrhizae are generally healthier, the density is relatively low since they are spread over a large area. This distance delays the connection to the new plant roots. Knowing that the proximity of mycorrhizae spores with plant roots is critical to establish the mycorrhizal network, it is essential to inoculate early a high concentration when sowing to take full advantage of the benefits mycorrhizae have to offer.
When is the best time to apply mycorrhizae?
Generally, mycorrhizae are most effective when applied at early stages of plant development (e.g. on seeds, seedlings or plantlets) as it takes at least 4 to 6 weeks for mycorrhizae to establish a mature and extensive mycorrhizal network. However, LALRISE MAX WP integrates MYCONNECT technology which combines the mycorrhizal active ingredient with a specific inactivated yeast. This unique combination accelerates root colonization by 80% and increases the frequency of connections by 50% during the first weeks of growth, thus ensuring faster establishment of mycorrhizae and access to agronomic benefits.
Are mycorrhizae compatible with all types of plants?
The mycorrhiza species selected for LALRISE MAX WP is compatible with more than 85% of plant species worldwide, including most major commercial agricultural and horticultural cultures. The only exceptions are plants in the family of Brassicaceae (e.g. canola, broccoli and cabbage), Poligonaceae (e.g. buckwheat, rhubarb) and Chenopodiaceae (e.g. quinoa, spinach and beets). However, the addition of mycorrhizae in such crops can still activate the beneficial soil microbial activity intimately associated with plant roots (i.e. rhizosphere) and generate better yields.
Do mycorrhizae need to be reintroduced on a regular basis?
In general, the more you apply, the better the results. Fortunately, once a plant has established the association with mycorrhizae, it is for the rest of its life. For frequently or completely harvested plants (agriculture, greenhouses), it is necessary to reintroduce mycorrhizae at each cycle. However, benefits are transferable during crop rotations in the same field, and a strong mycorrhizal population will build over time, increasing soil fertility, plant health and yields. This is particularly the case in organic regime and with no-till operations, where the mycorrhizal network is less disturbed.
What is the best way to apply mycorrhizae?
Mycorrhizae can be applied in many different ways which blend seamlessly in day-to-day operations. However, one basic principle should always be respected to ensure the best results: close proximity or physical contact to the plant roots or seeds. The reason is that when the mycorrhiza spores germinate, they need to be in close vicinity to the roots to establish a contact and form the beneficial connection to further create the mycorrhizal network. For example, drench application in the field is not recommended as spores will be spread to the surface and not close enough to the seeds to establish early contact. In agriculture, aim for practices such as mixing with seeds or liquid application in furrow to obtain best results.
I’ve heard that chemical fertilizers can be bad for mycorrhizal establishment is that true?
Applying a full initial dose of chemical N-P-K can slowdown mycorrhizal process at initial stages of plant development. Mycorrhizae are known to be highly effective in capturing nutrients from soils, especially phosphate (P), so the initial dosage of P is of utmost importance for further benefits in plant growth. A mere reduction of 15% to 30% of the recommended initial phosphate dose would give enough time to the mycorrhizal network to develop, unleashing all its benefits. In addition to obtaining bigger yields, a phosphate reduction will generate big savings.
Are mycorrhizae compatible with chemical pesticides (fungicides, herbicides, insecticides)?
In general, yes, but it depends on the nature of the chemical used. Some generalist pesticides or systemic fungicides can be harmful to mycorrhizae. We recommend applying them separately and to avoid mixing pesticides and mycorrhizae together in the same tank. Drench fungicide applications should be done two weeks prior or four weeks after mycorrhizae inoculation. The more you wait to apply compatible fungicide after sowing, the better mycorrhizae will perform. Foliar sprays of fungicide (except systemic ones) have little or no effect on mycorrhizae performance. If you have any doubt or questions about pesticides application alongside mycorrhizae, or specific product compatibility inquiries, please contact us.
Should I look for products with more than one species of mycorrhizae?
Not really. Having more than one species in a product can create compatibility issues if poorly chosen, as they will compete against each other rather than exclusively help the plant. LALRISE MAX WP relies on a single species carefully selected, which is dominant and native in agricultural fields worldwide, ultra-aggressive at establishing the connection with the plant roots and to create the mycorrhizal network, resulting in better short-term outcomes and long run performance. In addition, this species of mycorrhizal fungus is combined with a specific inactivated yeast which increases the speed and frequency of root colonization for even faster mycorrhizae establishment and access to agronomic benefits. This combination is called MYCONNECT Technology and is exclusive to Lallemand.
Some companies advertise their mycorrhizae concentration in terms of spores VS propagules per gram (ounce); what is the difference?
Propagules are any part of the mycorrhizal fungi that can germinate and effectively connect to the plant roots to establish the beneficial relationship. Propagules include intra- and extra-radical spores (which are the most resistant reproductive structures, reminiscent of small pearls), mycorrhizal root fragments and small filament-like structures called hyphae. The latter lose their effectiveness quickly as a propagation agent as they are brittle with little energy reserve.
To measure the amount of living mycorrhizal fungi in their product, some brands advertise their minimum guaranteed concentration in propagules, which consist almost exclusively of fragile and fast-declining hyphal structures that cannot colonize the roots. These propagule components break and die off only a few days after manufacturing, losing all their viability and effectiveness, leaving only negligeable amount of active propagule structures.
You should always look for products with high concentration of spores since they are much more resilient and effective propagules in the mycorrhizal inoculum. In addition, they pack high reserves of energy and can be stored for extended periods of time in the appropriate conditions.
Are mycorrhizae effective in all types of horticultural growth substrate?
Yes. They have been shown to be effective in a wide range of soils (compost, gardening mix, etc.), but also in soil-less substrates such as peat moss, coconut coir, wood chips, rock wool, perlite, vermiculite etc. They can also survive in completely aqueous environment.