GROWING MEDIA
Survival of BIOFUNGICIDE and MYCORRHIZAE in PRO-MIX Growing Media
* Only available in the US.
BIOFUNGICIDE™ and MYCORRHIZAE™ are active ingredients that are available premixed in different PRO-MIX® formulations. They work together to enhance plant performance, quality and yield. The advantages of having these active ingredients premixed in the growing medium is that they are present from the start of planting, the convenience of not having to add them at all during the crop cycle, and the fact that they benefit the crop throughout the growing season. PRO-MIX®products amended with active ingredients are easy to use and most storage conditions are compatible with the biologicals. Because these are live organisms added to growing media, we often receive questions about integrity, storage and survival of these organisms.
BIOFUNGICIDE™ and MYCORRHIZAE™ are active ingredients that are available premixed in different PRO-MIX® formulations. They work together to enhance plant performance, quality and yield. The advantages of having these active ingredients premixed in the growing medium is that they are present from the start of planting, the convenience of not having to add them at all during the crop cycle, and the fact that they benefit the crop throughout the growing season. PRO-MIX®products amended with active ingredients are easy to use and most storage conditions are compatible with the biologicals. Because these are live organisms added to growing media, we often receive questions about integrity, storage and survival of these organisms.
* Only available in the US.
Optimized Plants: Using Living Organisms as Active Ingredients
Both groups of organisms occur naturally in soils and are not genetically modified. They have been selected through a screening process for their growth enhancing properties or disease suppression. Their modes of action are slightly different. Mycorrhizae are symbioses between a mycorrhizal fungus and roots. The fungus colonizes the roots, extending the root surface area, and acquires water and nutrients where the plant roots are not present, and transfers them to plants. It accelerates rooting, improves fertilizer uptake and increases resistance of plant to stresses.
Whereas the BIOFUNGICIDE™ is a rapid colonizing bacterium that grows around the plant root system to reduce the occurrence of plant root diseases and enhance plant growth. It suppresses certain insects, including fungus gnats and thrips that pupate into the growing media, by suppressing their food sources and plant susceptibility. It also protects by reducing incidence of plant root diseases (Fusarium, Pythium and Rhizoctonia) and risk of pathogens that develop resistance to chemical fungicides. Finally, it enhances the use of fertilizer and water, increases resistance to stresses and improves plant strength and productivity, resulting in an optimized plant growth rate and uniformity.
Whereas the BIOFUNGICIDE™ is a rapid colonizing bacterium that grows around the plant root system to reduce the occurrence of plant root diseases and enhance plant growth. It suppresses certain insects, including fungus gnats and thrips that pupate into the growing media, by suppressing their food sources and plant susceptibility. It also protects by reducing incidence of plant root diseases (Fusarium, Pythium and Rhizoctonia) and risk of pathogens that develop resistance to chemical fungicides. Finally, it enhances the use of fertilizer and water, increases resistance to stresses and improves plant strength and productivity, resulting in an optimized plant growth rate and uniformity.
MYCORRHIZAE™: Surviving in Difficult Temperatures
Mycorrhizae are defined as symbioses between plant roots and a fungus, which mutually benefit each other. The symbiosis, known as the "Arbuscular Mycorrhiza” type, is most common among vegetable and annual plants grown in greenhouses. In non-farmed environments, mycorrhizal fungi colonize almost 80% of the plant species present. These types of mycorrhizae do not occur naturally in peat moss and growing media; therefore, they are introduced into growing media.
Our MYCORRHIZAE™ not only colonize plants in PRO-MIX®, but continue to colonize plant roots even after transplanting in soil. They will survive almost all temperature extremes and climatic changes from freezing to intense heat because they have very resistant cells, called “spores”, which are filled with lipids. These spores can be compared to seeds of plants because they allow for long survival in the soil. When MYCORRHIZAE™ are added into growing media, the storage temperature changes are similar to those in soils. When storage temperatures become cold in winter, the mycorrhizal fungi gradually prepare their cell walls for freezing temperatures, so they can survive. Even high soil temperatures do not kill our MYCORRHIZAE™. Carpio et al 2003 at Texas A & M University, conducted tests on various stresses in Texas nurseries during summer heat, and mycorrhizae remained functional in plant roots even at very high summer temperatures.
MYCORRHIZAE™ added to PRO-MIX® growing media are viable up to 2 years in storage, which includes exposure to freezing temperatures. However, when mycorrhizae are sold only as inoculants, they are more fragile and there is a narrow storage temperature range because mineral carriers used in inoculants do not insulate as well as peat moss, bark and coir in growing media.
Our MYCORRHIZAE™ not only colonize plants in PRO-MIX®, but continue to colonize plant roots even after transplanting in soil. They will survive almost all temperature extremes and climatic changes from freezing to intense heat because they have very resistant cells, called “spores”, which are filled with lipids. These spores can be compared to seeds of plants because they allow for long survival in the soil. When MYCORRHIZAE™ are added into growing media, the storage temperature changes are similar to those in soils. When storage temperatures become cold in winter, the mycorrhizal fungi gradually prepare their cell walls for freezing temperatures, so they can survive. Even high soil temperatures do not kill our MYCORRHIZAE™. Carpio et al 2003 at Texas A & M University, conducted tests on various stresses in Texas nurseries during summer heat, and mycorrhizae remained functional in plant roots even at very high summer temperatures.
MYCORRHIZAE™ added to PRO-MIX® growing media are viable up to 2 years in storage, which includes exposure to freezing temperatures. However, when mycorrhizae are sold only as inoculants, they are more fragile and there is a narrow storage temperature range because mineral carriers used in inoculants do not insulate as well as peat moss, bark and coir in growing media.
COMPARISON of PRO-MIX® BIOFUNGICIDE™ and MYCORRHIZAE™
BIOFUNGICIDE™: Effective and Resistant Bacillus strain
Premier Tech currently offers a BIOFUNGICIDE™, consisting of Bacillus pumilus bacteria, in the PRO-MIX® BIOFUNGICIDE™* + MYCORRHIZAE™ product line. The bacteria have the same tolerance to storage temperatures. This biofungicide has been selected to help suppress root disease caused by Fusarium, Pythium and Rhizoctonia. Many tests confirm the strain can survive in prolonged storage temperatures up to 120°F and well below freezing. Abundant research data show these bacteria can survive long periods of time at various temperatures.
Most other biofungicides available on the market utilize different types of microorganisms. Most can work for root disease suppression and biostimulation, but they need to be re-applied, they require control storage conditions before use and they are more susceptible to viability loss from heat and frost because they do not have the hearty, spore-like structures like the Bacillus bacteria. The manufacturers of these products also recommend a short storage period when incorporated into growing media.
Premier Tech recommends using PRO-MIX® peat-based growing medium within 9-12 months or peat-bark based growing medium within 6 months after manufacturing. This is mainly due to the natural biodegradation of the wetting agent added to the growing medium, which facilitates the absorption of water in growing media.
* PRO-MIX BIOFUNGICIDE™ + MYCORRHIZAE™ growing media products are only available in the US. Validate the availability of eligible products with your PRO-MIX sales representative.
References:
Most other biofungicides available on the market utilize different types of microorganisms. Most can work for root disease suppression and biostimulation, but they need to be re-applied, they require control storage conditions before use and they are more susceptible to viability loss from heat and frost because they do not have the hearty, spore-like structures like the Bacillus bacteria. The manufacturers of these products also recommend a short storage period when incorporated into growing media.
Premier Tech recommends using PRO-MIX® peat-based growing medium within 9-12 months or peat-bark based growing medium within 6 months after manufacturing. This is mainly due to the natural biodegradation of the wetting agent added to the growing medium, which facilitates the absorption of water in growing media.
* PRO-MIX BIOFUNGICIDE™ + MYCORRHIZAE™ growing media products are only available in the US. Validate the availability of eligible products with your PRO-MIX sales representative.
References:
- Carpio, L., F. T. Davies, M.A. Arnold, 2003. "Effect of commercial arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on growth, survivability and subsequent landscape performance of selected container grown nursery crops." J. Environ. Hort 21(4):190-195
Read more about this technology in the article below:
| growertalks_2019-09_biological_insect_suppression.pdf |
Premier Tech Horticulture -Professional
Introduced in 1968, PRO-MIX has always provided commercial growers and consumers with cutting-edgeand value-added growing media products. PRO- MIX growing media are enhanced with high-performance active ingredients and are considered a reference in the market, as they represent innovative and unique solutions. Fine-tuned for growers who seek efficiency, superior plant quality, disease suppression and resistance to environmental stresses, PRO-MIX optimizes results. Choose PRO-MIX products with MYCORRHIZAE, BIOFUNGICIDE or both to deliver outstanding plant quality and crop performance! Plus, PTH is a leader in straight peat moss harvest, packaging equipment, distribution, and bog restoration.
Grower Services Representatives:
JoAnn Peery - US Central
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Lance Lawson - US West
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Click HERE to visit the Pro-Mix PROFESSIONAL site.
Premier Tech Horticulture -
Retail
Designed to answer the needs of both professional growers and amateur gardeners, PTH designed a new line of retail products. Many of the growing mixes developed for the new line also offer the benefits of an all-natural ingredient: mycorrhizae, a natural plant stimulant which assists the plant's root system and increases nutrient and water uptake. The result is improved plant growth and resistance to stress.
Click HERE to visit the Pro-Mix RETAIL site.
A GLOBAL COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT
Premier Tech Horticulture has grown around one of the most abundant natural resources in Canada, sphagnum peat moss. Over the years, our company has leveraged its expertise to create a wide assortment of natural products intended for home gardeners, professional horticulture and large-scale grain and vegetable crops.
For Premier Tech, manufacturing products that are safe for the environment is of the greatest importance, and as such, the respect, protection and responsible management of raw materials constitutes a priority. We aim to improve overall productivity levels in a spirit of sustainable development, by means of completely natural active ingredients.
In this regard, several of the soils and growing media we offer are certified by the OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute), an international nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the growth and confidence of the global organic community through experts and independent reviews.
GROWING WITH RESPECT FOR THE RESOURCE
For many years, sustainable peatland management and the protection of ecosystems such as its sphagnum peat moss harvesting sites have been firm commitments at Premier Tech Horticulture. To preserve the vitality of those areas for many generations still, Premier Tech Horticulture actively participates in the restoration of peat bogs. Even when knowledge was limited regarding the sustainability of resources, Premier Tech Horticulture promoted university research in that field.
Premier Tech Horticulture received a tribute for its valuable contribution to research and responsible management of peatlands. This renewed support reflects the Premier Tech Horticulture's dedication to Laval University's research in sustainable development since 1992.
Some 15 years after its first large-scale peat bog restoration project, the company still continues its efforts, and this, all over Canada. Since it cares about making knowledge progress, Premier Tech Horticulture always devotes a part of its peat bogs to various research projects. Those efforts, combined with the experience acquired over the years, allow Premier Tech Horticulture to offer products with a small ecological footprint.
PEAT MOSS
Why Use Sphagnum Peat Moss?Sphagnum peat moss has been used for many years for horticulture purposes for its ability to hold large amounts of air and water, making it ideal as a component of propagation media. This is because sphagnum peat moss possesses interconnected cells with thin lignified walls and large cavities that are built-up and prevent the sphagnum cells from collapsing when they dry out. This characteristic provides a capillary system for sphagnum peat moss to absorb and transport water easily. As the water evaporates, these cells and cavities fill with air. As a component of growing media, developing plant root systems can easily access oxygen and water. Combined with the proper ratio of aggregates, limestone and other ingredients, peat-based media are perfect for seed starting, rooting of cuttings and young plants development.
THE INDUSTRY’S MOST CONSISTENT AND UNIQUE METHOD OF PEAT MOSS SELECTION
For many years now, Premier Tech Horticulture has used a very unique approach to peat moss gradation and selection. Over the years, it has assured a consistency in the final product that is usually very difficult to achieve in the industry. Premier Tech Horticulture is very proud to provide growers with products offering predictability in results.
Publications"Restoration Research" : http://www.peatmoss.com/blog/environment/restoration-research/
"Peatland Restoration Guide" : http://www.peatmoss.com/blog/environment/peatland-restoration-guide/
"Peat Moss: still the best value" : http://www.peatmoss.com/blog/using-peat-moss/professional-horticulturalists/professional-horticulturalists-peat-moss-still-the-best-value/
"What is Peat Moss?" : http://tourbehorticole.com/en/peat/index.php
"Peat Harvesting" : http://tourbehorticole.com/en/responsible-production/harvesting.php
Premier Tech Horticulture has grown around one of the most abundant natural resources in Canada, sphagnum peat moss. Over the years, our company has leveraged its expertise to create a wide assortment of natural products intended for home gardeners, professional horticulture and large-scale grain and vegetable crops.
For Premier Tech, manufacturing products that are safe for the environment is of the greatest importance, and as such, the respect, protection and responsible management of raw materials constitutes a priority. We aim to improve overall productivity levels in a spirit of sustainable development, by means of completely natural active ingredients.
In this regard, several of the soils and growing media we offer are certified by the OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute), an international nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the growth and confidence of the global organic community through experts and independent reviews.
GROWING WITH RESPECT FOR THE RESOURCE
For many years, sustainable peatland management and the protection of ecosystems such as its sphagnum peat moss harvesting sites have been firm commitments at Premier Tech Horticulture. To preserve the vitality of those areas for many generations still, Premier Tech Horticulture actively participates in the restoration of peat bogs. Even when knowledge was limited regarding the sustainability of resources, Premier Tech Horticulture promoted university research in that field.
Premier Tech Horticulture received a tribute for its valuable contribution to research and responsible management of peatlands. This renewed support reflects the Premier Tech Horticulture's dedication to Laval University's research in sustainable development since 1992.
Some 15 years after its first large-scale peat bog restoration project, the company still continues its efforts, and this, all over Canada. Since it cares about making knowledge progress, Premier Tech Horticulture always devotes a part of its peat bogs to various research projects. Those efforts, combined with the experience acquired over the years, allow Premier Tech Horticulture to offer products with a small ecological footprint.
PEAT MOSS
Why Use Sphagnum Peat Moss?Sphagnum peat moss has been used for many years for horticulture purposes for its ability to hold large amounts of air and water, making it ideal as a component of propagation media. This is because sphagnum peat moss possesses interconnected cells with thin lignified walls and large cavities that are built-up and prevent the sphagnum cells from collapsing when they dry out. This characteristic provides a capillary system for sphagnum peat moss to absorb and transport water easily. As the water evaporates, these cells and cavities fill with air. As a component of growing media, developing plant root systems can easily access oxygen and water. Combined with the proper ratio of aggregates, limestone and other ingredients, peat-based media are perfect for seed starting, rooting of cuttings and young plants development.
THE INDUSTRY’S MOST CONSISTENT AND UNIQUE METHOD OF PEAT MOSS SELECTION
For many years now, Premier Tech Horticulture has used a very unique approach to peat moss gradation and selection. Over the years, it has assured a consistency in the final product that is usually very difficult to achieve in the industry. Premier Tech Horticulture is very proud to provide growers with products offering predictability in results.
Publications"Restoration Research" : http://www.peatmoss.com/blog/environment/restoration-research/
"Peatland Restoration Guide" : http://www.peatmoss.com/blog/environment/peatland-restoration-guide/
"Peat Moss: still the best value" : http://www.peatmoss.com/blog/using-peat-moss/professional-horticulturalists/professional-horticulturalists-peat-moss-still-the-best-value/
"What is Peat Moss?" : http://tourbehorticole.com/en/peat/index.php
"Peat Harvesting" : http://tourbehorticole.com/en/responsible-production/harvesting.php