Definition - What does Mycorrhizal Inoculum mean?
Mycorrhizal inoculum is a fungi that forms a symbiotic relationship with the roots of most plants.
The term is derived from the Greek “mykos” meaning a fungus and “riz” defined as roots. An inoculum is essentially an inoculation, so mycorrhizal inoculum is an inoculation of the roots with a beneficial fungi.
Mycorrhizal inoculum may also be known as mycorrhizal inoculant.
MaximumYield explains Mycorrhizal Inoculum
Mycorrhizal spores are present in most soils and live within the root system of vascular plants. They essentially provide the plant with inoculants that are beneficial for fighting off diseases.
The relationship they form with the roots is one that is an important part of the plant's immune response and provides the fungi with the nutrients it requires to survive and reproduce. For this reason it is considered a symbiotic relationship.
Mycorrhizal inoculums are part of a family of microbial inoculants used in horticulture that are beneficial to plants. Microbial inoculants are used in the capacity of bio-fertilizers to primarily boost the immune response in vegetables.
Microbial inoculants can be rizobacterial, nitrogen fixing, phosphate-solubilizing, or a fungal in the form of mycorrhizal inoculums.