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.

1. Choice of species

   NexusProvide is based on a single specie 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.

2. Concentration in spores

   NexusProvide contains 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.

3. 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
     • Well documented plant protection benefits
     • Increase plant health / effective at translocating water, macro- and micro-nutrients
     • Increase plant stress resilience reducing susceptibility of plants to abiotic stress

Mycorrhizae are highly specialised 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 maximised access to soil nutrients and water.

NexusProvide offers the following benefits:

• Boost plant growth and yields to generate more profit per hectare/acre with less fertiliser 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 fertilisers and eliminate potential conflicts with environmental policies (phosphate leakages causing blue-green algae blooms)
• 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 fertilisers, while reducing your environmental footprint

Mycorrhizae are highly specialised 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 maximised access to soil nutrients and water.

Once a mycorrhizal fungi spore germinates, it connects to the plant roots and forms specialised 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 promote 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.

Endo-mycorrhizae, such as Rhizophagus irregularis in NexusProvide, 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.

Although results may vary depending on soil types and conditions, inoculation with mycorrhizae is always beneficial when applied correctly and in sufficient amounts. The optimal pH range is generally between 4 and 8. Mycorrhizae, such as Rhizophagus irregularis, 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.

The answer is yes. First, in most conventional agricultural fields, the natural mycorrhizal fungi populations have been destroyed over time due to practices such as tilling, repeated pesticide applications, and high doses of chemical fertilizers. The number left would pale in comparison to natural, undisturbed environments. Reintroducing a solid population will greatly benefit your crops. Second, in organic soils, even if the population of mycorrhizae is 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 to plant roots is critical to establish the mycorrhizal network, it is essential to inoculate early with a high concentration when sowing to take full advantage of the benefits mycorrhizae have to offer.

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. 

The mycorrhiza species selected for NexusProvide is compatible with more than 85% of plant species worldwide, including most major commercial agricultural and horticultural crops, such as potatoes, tomatoes, capsicum, carrots, garlic, corn/maize, grape vines, pome fruit trees, stone fruit trees, nut trees, and citrus trees, to name a few. The only exceptions are plants in the family of Brassicaceae (e.g., canola, broccoli, and cabbage), Polygonaceae (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.

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 regimes and with no-till operations, where the mycorrhizal network is less disturbed.

Mycorrhizae can be applied in many different ways that blend seamlessly into day-to-day operations. However, one basic principle should always be respected to ensure the best results: close proximity or physical contact with 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 contact and form the beneficial connection to further create the mycorrhizal network. In agriculture, aim for practices such as mixing with seeds or liquid application in furrow to obtain the best results.

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 avoiding 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 pesticide application alongside mycorrhizae, or specific product compatibility inquiries, please contact us.

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. NexusProvide 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 creating 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 that increases the speed and frequency of root colonization for even faster mycorrhizae establishment and access to agronomic benefits.

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 extraradical 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 negligible amounts of active propagule structures.

You should always look for products with a 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 under appropriate conditions.

Yes. They have been shown to be effective in a wide range of soils (compost, gardening mix, etc.), but also in soilless substrates such as peat moss, coconut coir, wood chips, rock wool, perlite, and vermiculite, etc. They can also survive in a completely aqueous environment.