MycoBloom specific FAQs
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MycoBloom specializes in endomycorrhizal soil symbionts known as arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, which form mutually beneficial relationships with approximately 85% of plant families. The term "endomycorrhizal" stems from Latin roots, translating to "fungi within roots." These remarkable fungi have the potential to significantly enhance plant growth, yield, and soil quality.
MycoBloom's fungi stand out due to their exceptional diversity, unique ecology, and proven track record. What makes our fungi truly exceptional is their exclusive sourcing from pristine native habitats across the United States. We take pride in cultivating and packaging our products within the U.S., solidifying MycoBloom as a native endomycorrhizal producer committed to supporting local ecosystems. By collecting fungi from undisturbed native habitats, MycoBloom ensures that our strains embody the natural diversity and genetic adaptations found in these pristine environments. This meticulous approach safeguards the ecological integrity of the fungi and maintains their exceptional performance.
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We make one of the most species diverse endomycorrhizal products on earth with Claroideoglomus claroideum (aka as Glomus claroideum), Funneliformus mosseae (aka Glomus mosseae), Cetraspora pellucida, Claroideoglomus lamellosum, Acaulospora spinosa, Racocetra fulgida, Entrophospora infrequens, Rhizophagus irregularis (aka Rhizophagus intraradices), Rhizophagus clarus, Gigaspora margarita, Claroideoglomus candidum, Glomus mortonii, and Septoglomus constrictum.
We hope add additional species from Ambispora, Funneliformus and Glomus soon!
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The goal of our product is diversity, and we mix our blend of mycorrhizae species so that at least of one spore per cubic centimeter is present for our species when they are packaged.
Because our fungal mixes range in spores per cubic centimeter depending on harvest date, we do not report a definite concentration on a given package of MycoBloom. The fall 2022 harvest had a concentration of ~41 spores/cm3 of our 14 species at the time of packaging. As for the number of propagules or CFUs, these counts can also include fungal hyphae, which can lead to inaccuracies, as some mycorrhizal species do not reproduce well from hyphae segments. Additionally fungal hyphal propagules can be chopped up nearly infinitely during processing to increase propagule number. Therefore, we do not report propagule numbers.
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Our mycorrhizae may be microscopic in size, making them invisible to the naked eye. While not visible to the human eye, fungal presence and influence can be observed through the enhanced health and performance of the plants they form symbiotic relationships with.
The growing media we use for cultivation primarily consists of approximately 70% calcined clay, providing an optimal environment for their development. The remaining 30% of the growing media comprises a carefully balanced blend of fine sand, sterilized soil, and occasionally small quantities of peat, vermiculite, perlite, roots, as well as other plant debris like root fragments and un-germinated plant seeds. Our carefully formulated growing media composition ensures optimal conditions for the development of these beneficial microorganisms, ultimately contributing to the success of your plants.
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We have selected these species because they have been shown to provide a diverse range of benefits to plants hosts. For instance, R. fulgida has been shown to stimulate plant defensive pathways, which can help a plant protect itself from bugs and herbivores. E. infrequens is a difficult to grow fungus, sometimes taking 10 months of culturing before it can be harvested for our fungal mixture. But this species has been shown to be very helpful for rare & late successional plant species. Just like diverse plant commnuitires can support a diverse array of wildlife and produce a diverse array of crops, a diverse fungal mixture can perform better under a wide range of soil growing conditions.
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All fungi in MycoBloom’s products were originally collected from high quality old-growth forests and grasslands of the United States.
We have regional/ecosystem specific mixtures of mycorrhizal fungi available for purchase including a Midwest Mixedgrass Prairie blend, a Great Lakes Fungi blend, and a Eastern Forest blend. Please contact us for more information on regionally specific mixtures.
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As of this moment, you can only buy MycoBloom direct from us via PayPal on our “Contact and Order” webpage, through eBay, or by means of through our MycoBloom Amazon store. We also accept payment via check, but please contact us first. We currently do not provide MycoBloom to any third party sellers. Buying from us via check or online via PayPal is the best way to ensure viable mycorrhizae reaches you. Purchasing directly from MycoBloom via PayPal ensures that the product is shipped only once, from our porch to yours. This will limit the exposure of the fungi to harsh outdoor conditions such as a hot UPS truck, freezing temperatures, etc. Additionally, we are able to offer products at a lower cost by avoiding fees charged by online webstore hosts. Buying direct from us, we can pass the savings on to you.
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The best by date of MycoBloom depends on your storage methods. If kept dry and in a moderately temperature controlled environment, we suggest that MycoBloom fungi be used 1.5-2.5 years from the date you will have purchased your product. This is usually stamped as a best by date on the product. However, we have found that some species in our mycorrhizal mix can persist at room temperature for five-ten years. Thus, MycoBloom can be used after the "expiration" or best by date, but some species in the mix will be less prevalent and the overall concentration of viable spores will be lower.
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We are not an organically certified grower of mycorrhizae (if that is even a thing yet). However, we maintain organic practices, as the fungi do not require any inorganic or not organic amendments. We do not use pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or inorganic fertilizers with our mycorrhizae. We have had our fungi be approved for use on organic farms before. We’d be happy to talk to your organic certification representative if you need us to.
We include roots in our products because some fungi produce their spores mainly in roots
We package spores in our products because spores have long-term viability
General mycorrhizal fungi FAQs
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The need for reinoculation of mycorrhizae depends on the level of disturbance in your garden. If you engage in activities that disrupt the soil, such as tilling or turning it over, these disturbances can harm the existing mycorrhizae, necessitating yearly reinoculation. However, if you are planting perennial species, reinoculation is typically not necessary.
Activities that disturb the soil can disrupt the established mycorrhizal networks and reduce their effectiveness. In such cases, reintroducing mycorrhizal inoculants annually can help replenish the populations and ensure their continued beneficial effects on plant growth.
On the other hand, perennial species, which remain in the soil for multiple growing seasons, often maintain their mycorrhizal associations without the need for frequent reinoculation. The mycorrhizal fungi and the perennial plants form a long-term symbiotic relationship that persists over time, providing ongoing benefits to the plants.
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Due to its granular nature, MycoBloom is not suitable for hydroponics or drip irrigation systems. Most species of mycorrhizae have a tendency to sink and do not float in water, making it challenging to use them effectively with drip irrigation applications. While there are a few species, such as F. mosseae and A. trappei, that can float, relying on a single floating species for irrigation may not provide optimal results. It is advisable to seek clarification from those who claim their product can perform well in suspension before considering such applications.
In the scientific literature, strong evidence in support of fungal effectiveness in hydroponic production is still lacking.
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The perception that Rhizophagus irregularis (formerly known as Glomus intraradices) is the most beneficial mycorrhizal fungus is widespread on websites and forums related to mycorrhizal fungi. This popularity stems from its ease of propagation and fast cultivation time, making it attractive for commercial growers. However, our studies indicate that it may not be as beneficial as other fungal species. Additionally, it has been observed to be highly abundant in disturbed soils, such as agricultural fields. Therefore, adding more of this particular fungus to your soils may not necessarily provide the desired benefits.
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Most organic fertilizers, which have lower phosphorus levels, can be used in conjunction with mycorrhizal amendments. However, certain inorganic fertilizers with high phosphorus content can render the mycorrhizal fungi functionally redundant and lead to their decline. At MycoBloom, we do not incorporate inorganic phosphorus into our products, ensuring the compatibility and effectiveness of our mycorrhizal inoculants with various organic fertilizers.
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Growing mycorrhizae is relatively easy, but achieving consistent growth in a mixed culture is challenging. If you were to attempt reculturing our mycorrhizal mix, it is likely that only the most aggressive fungal species would dominate and outcompete others. However, fast-growing and weedy species are not necessarily the most beneficial for plants. To address this, we employ a meticulous process of growing each mycorrhizal species separately and then carefully remixing them before packaging.
This process presents its own difficulties, as different species require varying lengths of growth time. Some species may need three months, while others may require up to ten months to reach their optimal state. Drawing decades of experience in mycorrhizal cultivation, we have found this method to be the most effective way of creating a diverse fungal mixture from which plants can select their most beneficial isolates.
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No, we have also used city water to water our mycorrhizal cultures. MycoBloom fungi survive just fine with city water.
Application FAQs
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Yes! The landscape you described, characterized by topsoil disturbance and removal, is an ideal candidate for mycorrhizal fungi. Such disturbances can result in less diverse and abundant mycorrhizal communities, and even the complete removal of beneficial arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. Adding a mycorrhizal amendment in this scenario can greatly benefit plants that rely on soil fungi for their growth and development.
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Certainly. Mycorrhizae can help plants respond to disturbance and what could be more disturbing to a plant than having bare roots? We recommend that our mycorrhizae mixture be buried beneath soil or growing media at transplanting so as to quickly make contact with the roots.
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For disturbed soils and those with a history of agriculture, we recommend adding 3 buckets (150 lb) of inocula per restored acre. While you are welcome to test your own application rates, it is worth noting that our recommendation of 150 lb/acre exceeds what many other mycorrhizal growers suggest. Research has shown that other commercial mycorrhizal products have been less effective in restoring various community types, potentially due to lower application rates. The minimum application rates required are still an unanswered question in the scientific community. At MycoBloom, we adjust our suggestions based on scientific findings to ensure optimal results.
(see the work of Maltz et al. DOI: 10.1111/rec.12231, It is open access)
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Certainly! When it comes to inoculating your seedlings, one method is to sprinkle some MycoBloom into the planting hole. This allows the fungal spores to establish a connection with the roots. Keep in mind that it may take some time for the spores to germinate, usually around 2-3 weeks. Personally, we prefer to give our seedlings the VIP treatment, starting them with MycoBloom and then planting them around 4 weeks later. If you're aiming for maximum chances of survival right from the start, this approach is best. This allows the spores to germinate and form a beneficial association with the plant roots before transplantation. It's all about finding the right timing for a successful mycorrhizal partnership.
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The need for reinoculation of mycorrhizae depends on the level of disturbance in your garden. If you engage in activities that disrupt the soil, such as tilling or turning it over, these disturbances can harm the existing mycorrhizae, necessitating yearly reinoculation. However, if you are planting perennial species, reinoculation is typically not necessary.
Activities that disturb the soil can disrupt the established mycorrhizal networks and reduce their effectiveness. In such cases, reintroducing mycorrhizal inoculants annually can help replenish the populations and ensure their continued beneficial effects on plant growth.
On the other hand, perennial species, which remain in the soil for multiple growing seasons, often maintain their mycorrhizal associations without the need for frequent reinoculation. The mycorrhizal fungi and the perennial plants form a long-term symbiotic relationship that persists over time, providing ongoing benefits to the plants.
Other Logistical Questions
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The short answer is yes, but the long answer is probably not. The ecology of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi poses significant challenges to achieving this goal. The process of culturing these fungi is labor-intensive and time-consuming. It involves spending countless hours at the microscope and several months of greenhouse growth before assessing their success.
Isolating AM fungi from nature is a complex task, and many attempts fail in the first year. To create a diverse AM fungal community, approximately 70 different species cultures need to be initiated per site. Successful cultures then need to be scaled up during the following growing season.
Overall, the entire process takes 2-3 years and requires access to sterile greenhouse facilities and laboratories. It demands a substantial amount of work. However, if you are involved in large-scale restoration projects and have an interest in cultivating mycorrhizae, the effort is undoubtedly worthwhile. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any further questions or inquiries.
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We offer an 8% whole sale discount to anyone purchasing ten or more 5-gallon pails. Additional discounts may be possible for larger orders. Please contact us.
We also offer discounts for non-profit businesses. Contact us for more information.
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At MycoBloom, our expertise lies in providing locally derived mycorrhizal mixtures. Our shipping policy covers the continental US states, and we offer convenient shipping options via USPS flat rate or UPS ground. If you have specific shipping requirements, please reach out to us, and we will be happy to explore alternative methods to meet your needs.