MycoBoost FAQ

What is MycoBoost?

Certain mycorrhizal spores or "seeds" of the fungus have been selected for their growth enhancing abilities. These spores are combined with root biostimulants, humic acids and water absorbent gel to invigorate roots and promote plant survival and growth to create MycoBoost. When applied, the spores of mycorrhizal fungi spread through soil colonizing plant roots and work to produce vigorous root systems and plant growth. The yield enhancing attributes of mycorrhizal fungi have co-evolved over millennia and has been the focus of 20 years of intensive research. Now, growers, landscapers and homeowners can apply the miraculous relationship of plant and mycorrhizal fungi and improve plant growth the natural way.

What are Mycorrhizal Fungi?

"Mycor" - "rhiza" literally means "fungus" - "root" and defines the mutually beneficial relationship between the plant root and fungus. These specialized fungi colonize plant roots and extend far into the soil resource. Mycorrhizal fungal filaments in the soil are truly extensions of root systems and more effective in nutrient and water absorption than the roots themselves.

Where can I purchase MycoBoost in my area?

Our products are available exclusively at MegaGro.com and through select gardening catalogs. We offer free shipping on orders of $40 or more.

What plants form specialized roots with mycorrhizal fungi?

Over 90% of the world's plant species form mycorrhizae and require the association for maximum performance in non-artificial conditions.

How do mycorrhizal fungi increase nutrient uptake?

These fungi increase the surface absorbing area of roots 10 to 100x thereby greatly improving the ability of the plants to utilize the soil resource. Estimates of amounts of mycorrhizal filaments present in soil associated with plants are astonishing. Several miles of fungal filaments can be present in less than a thimbleful of soil! But mycorrhizal fungi increase nutrient uptake not only by increase the surface absorbing area of roots, they also release powerful chemicals into the soil that dissolve hard to capture nutrients such as phosphorous , iron and other "tightly bound" soil nutrients. This extraction process is particularly important in plant nutrition and explains why non-mycorrhizal plants require high levels of fertility to maintain their health. Mycorrhizal fungi form an intricate web that captures and assimilates nutrients, thus conserving the nutrient capital in soils. In non mycorrhizal conditions much of this fertility is wasted or lost from the system.

What other activities do mycorrhizal fungi do?

Mycorrhzial fungi are involved with a wide variety of other activities that benefit plant establishment and growth. The same extensive network of fungal filaments important to nutrient uptake is also important in water uptake and storage. In non-irrigated conditions, mycorrhizal plants are under far less drought stress compared to non-mycorrhizal plants. Mycorrhizal fungi also improve soil structure. Mycorrhizal filaments produce humic compounds and organic "glues" (extracellular polysaccharides) that bind soils into aggregates and improves soil porosity. Soil porosity and soil structure positively influence the growth of plants by promoting aeration, water movement into soil, root growth, and distribution. In sandy or compacted soils the ability of mycorrhizal fungi to promote soil structure may be more important than the seeking out of nutrients.

Don't soils already contain mycorrhizal fungi?

Undisturbed soils are full of beneficial soil organisms including mycorrhizal fungi. Research indicates, however, many common practices can degrade the mycorrhiza-forming potential of soil. Tillage, fertilization, removal of topsoil, erosion, site preparation, road and home construction, fumigation, invasion of non-native plants, and leaving soils bare are some of the activities that can reduce or eliminate these beneficial soil fungi. Reintroducing mycorrhizal fungi in areas where they have been depleted can dramatically improve plant establishment and growth. Many routine nursery practices, such as fumigation and dousing with high levels of water and nutrients, produce non-mycorrhizal plants. When high levels of fertilizer and water are provided for non-mycorrhizal plants, they can thrive in this artificial growing media, but they are ill prepared to survive the eventual outplanted condition.

How do you apply MycoBoost?

MycoBoostl application is easy and requires no special equipment. The goal is to create physical contact between the mycorrhizal inoculant and the plant root. MycoBoost can be sprinkled onto roots during transplanting, worked into seed beds, blended into potting soil, "watered in" via existing irrigation systems, applied as a root dip gel or probed into the root zone of existing plants. The type of application depends upon the conditions and needs of the applicator. For more information on how to use MycoBoost see below.

When adding MycoBoost to water, the product does not dissolve immediately. Should I give the product time to dissolve?

It's OK that the MycoBoost doesn't dissolve completely. Much of what you see is simply the medium used to grow the mycorrhizae; otherwise it couldn't be handled effectively. You're not doing anything wrong, that sediment is just a by-product of how MycoBoost is made.

You can leave the MycoBoost soaking overnight to make a compost tea, although it's not entirely necessary. Once the MycoBoost comes into contact with water the CFU (colony forming units) start to dissolve into the water and grow.

Should I use fertilizer with MycoBoost?

Absolutely, but you should use less fertilizer. If you only use a fertilizer alone, particularly fertilizers with high levels of nutrients, you can push top growth at the expense of root development, making plants vulnerable to stress. Frequent, high levels of fertilizer produce an unbalanced and often unsustainable shoot-to-root ratio. Using MycoBoost improves feeder-root production and your plants will use added fertilizer more effectively, so you can use less fertilizer. Algoflash is the perfect fertilizer for use with MycoBoost. Algoflash is a balanced, non-burning fertilizer that can be added with each watering.

What is in MycoBoost?

MycoBoost contains 4 species Endomycorrhizae - Glomus intraradices, G. mosseae, G. aggregatum, G. etunicatum, 2 species Trichoderma - Trichoderma koningii and T. harzianum and biostimulants kelp, humic & fulvic acids, vitamins, and amino acids.

What is the Shelf-Life of MycoBoost?

If stored in a cool, dry place, MycoBoost will remain potent for several years. You should avoid storing in areas where it may be exposed to extreme heat or freezing.

If you have a question about MycoBoost or any of our other products that is not answered here, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

How to Use MycoBoost

MycoBoost is a combination of beneficial fungus in a concentrated powder form. MycoBoost blends well with other powder products or seed. It's perfect for hydromulching applications and improving germination and cover on tough sites.

MycoBoost can be broadcast, worked into seed beds, placed under cuttings, blended into potting soil, or sprinkled near roots at transplant time. When applying MycoBoost for any plant types the goal is to have MycoBoost come in contact with the plant's roots.

As a watering solution for general use on trees, shrubs, flowers, fruit and vegetables: Mix at least 2 tablespoons. of MycoBoost per gallon of water to make a healthy compost tea. You can use a higher ratio if desired, especially with problem plants. Higher amounts will not harm plants. Mix well and keep well mixed while watering. 1 lb. of MycoBoost makes 50 gallons of watering solution. Apply several times throughout the growing season.

For Lawns/Turf: Apply 1 lb. (2 cups) per 4,000 square feet. Use dry in a lawn spreader or mix with water for spray applications. Water thoroughly after dry applications. You shoud apply MycoBoost several times throughout the first growing season until healthy levels mycorrhizae are established.

Mix with Planting Soil: MycoBoost can be mixed into potting soil when filling planters, pots and trays. Use ¼ to ¾ pounds (½ -1½ cups) per cubic yard.

For Indoor or Outdoor Potted plants: Mix 1-2 tsp. in each pot at potting time.

Make a Compost Tea: MycoBoost can be mixed in at a rate of 1.5 oz of dry MycoBoost per 5 gallons of water.

As a Seed Coat: Use 1-2 lbs per acre. Mix dry or use as a solution with enough seeds for 1 acre of coverage.

Transplanting: Touch damp roots to Mycoboost so a small amount sticks to the roots or sprinkle ¼ tsp into each planting hole. You can use the compost tea as root dip during transplanting. Simply spray or mist the root system thoroughly before planting or dip the roots in the compost tea.

When Transplanting Trees: Mix ½ oz. (3 teaspoons) of Mycoboost with water per inch of tree trunk diameter (stem caliper).

Commercial Applications: MycoBoost can be hydro-mulched, banded in rows or side dressed before or during planting. Use 10 lbs per acre.

MycoBoost MSDS

If you have a question not covered in this FAQ, please contact us.