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Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

For years we have mistakenly thought that high levels of Phosphoric acid were toxic to mycorrhizal fungi. WRONG.

Data published just this month by Michael Kernan, Ph.D. & Donald H. Marx, Ph.D. of PHC claim otherwise. There is no major new data here but they instead have done a great job of summarizing a sensible approach to managing P & mycorrhizal inoculants in practice.

From their paper:

"....Oddly, many people have erroneously concluded that phosphate kills mycorrhizal fungi. In fact,
there is no killing effect going on here. Instead, in soils having high available phosphate, the host
plant opts to restrict fungal colonization. The fungi and their spores are still alive. They are simply
experiencing a higher level of restrictions from the host plant."

The cause & effect relationship between high P soils & mycorrhizal fungi inoculation has been in debate for some time. Dr.s Don & Mike feel they have figured it all out now.

If you'd like a copy of the full text publication drop me an email.

11/7/2008 6:19:00 PM

Ontario, Canada.

Steve, that is very interesting news indeed. Please drop me an email with this link.

Russ

11/7/2008 6:59:07 PM

Paradise Mountain, New York

Steve, I would be very interested in receiving a copy of that report. Brian

11/7/2008 9:56:07 PM

Picton,ON (j.vincent@xplornet.ca)

Steve

Send one my way as well...good stuff

Thanks

John

11/7/2008 10:31:09 PM

nOVA sCOTIA

Wouldn't mind reading this report myself.Carl

11/7/2008 11:21:40 PM

Okla

Steve has any of the studies touched on cold weather hurting or killing Mycorrhizal yet or does it thrive during the cold? Is it like plants and need a certian amount of sunshine a day heating it?

11/8/2008 1:38:33 AM

southwest MO

I think it is certainly smart to have Mycorrhizal fungi available to the pumpkin roots for colonization. IMHO in our highly fertile and bacterial dominated soils this relationship is way overstated in terms of nutrient scavenging. On native non amended soils where you have perennials drawing from the same nutrient pool year after year symbiosis plays a much larger role in this respect.

11/8/2008 9:05:24 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Carl, I need your email addy.

Thomas, Once the pumpkins die, the active fungi die also. Of course the fungi produce their own regenerative components that are left behind. Once live hyphae CAN be viable (propagules) but they don't winter well. Cold temps kill MOST mycorrhizal inoculants whether packaged or in the soil. The exceptions is spores. Spores have a protective "shell" & are the most durable & viable form of inoculant.

BG, I agree. Most perennials have their own specific mycorrhyza that do little to benefit pumpkins & other annual flowering plants.

11/8/2008 12:21:34 PM

Cduross1@rochester.rr.com

I would like a copy as well. Thanks.

11/8/2008 4:41:37 PM

Topsfield, Ma.

Steve, when time permits, i'd love to see a copy of that report too! Thanks, Duff...Asselinduffy@aol.com

11/8/2008 7:09:25 PM

Winston Salem NC

I also would be curious to check this out.
Thanks
Rick
maxboostbusa@yahoo.com

11/8/2008 11:11:47 PM

Pataskala,OH

I want a copy.

11/9/2008 7:45:32 AM

Midwest

Steve, I would like a copy. Thanks.
Greg gdulski1@yahoo.com

11/9/2008 8:04:56 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

This copy/paste thing is for the birds.

If you want a copy then send ME an email. The address is in this post. It's like sending bubbles. LOL

11/9/2008 9:40:30 AM

Pataskala,OH

Where do you buy PHC® Flower Saver® Plus?

11/9/2008 7:47:13 PM

Oakley, UTAH

steve i would very much like to read that report. thanks lave(curt) csaxy8@hotmail.com

11/12/2008 1:57:52 PM