How it works: MycoUp®

MycoUp® is based on the unique Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus Glomus iranicum var. tenuihypharum, which establishes a long-lasting symbiotic relationship with crops called mycorrhizal symbiosis.

In this symbiosis, the fungus supplies the plant with water and nutrients, mostly Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Iron, Zinc, Magnesium and Manganese. In exchange, the plant provides the fungus with sugars derived from photosynthesis. Specifically, it supplies it with triose-phosphate, a sugar derived from sucrose, which the fungus would not be able to obtain on its own.

Thanks to the unique characteristics of Glomus iranicum var. tenuihypharum, the symbiosis becomes so efficient that it generates very beneficial changes for the crop, such as increasing the root system of the crop and increasing the photosynthetic capacity.

The relationship between the plant and Glomus iranicum var. tenuihypharum in 5 steps:

 

1. 1. Introduction into the plant

      The fungus is introduced into the plant through the absorbent hairs and rootlets during root flush.

   2. Formation of arbuscules

      The fungus establishes itself in the plant cells, forming arbuscules, the structures where the fungus exchanges water and nutrients for sugars derived from the plant’s photosynthesis process.

   3. Spreading of hyphae

      The fungus grows toward the outside of the root, spreading out a network of hyphae (extramatrical mycelium) capable of absorbing water and nutrients and transporting them to the arbuscule.

   4. Increased root system

      To obtain more water and nutrients, the plant increases the number of absorbent hairs, so that the fungus can grow and form more connections with the plant.

      This allows us to:

      • Increase the number and length of the roots. It is calculated that for each meter of roots, hyphae of the fungus develop between 7 and 250.
      • Increase soil exploration. Including micropores only accessible to the hyphae of the fungus.
      • Increase absorption of water and nutrients with a lower energy cost for the plant (WUE and NUE).

       

      Glomus iranicum var. tenuihypharum is able to increase the root system of the plant by regulating the concentration of auxins, the hormone responsible for its growth, to increase the size and number of roots.

       

   5. Increased photosynthesis

      To obtain more water and nutrients, the plant increases photosynthesis, so that the fungus can receive more sugars to exchange.
      This allows us to:

      • Increase CO₂ uptake, which means an increase in the formation of sugars.
      • Increase the amount of photoassimilated resources that the plant uses to grow.
      • Increase the biomass per unit of water used (WUE).

       

      Glomus iranicum var. tenuihypharum is able to increase photosynthesis in two ways::

      • Sending of chemical signals to the plant, which it interprets by increasing the intensity of chloroplasts.
      • Modulation of abscisic acid so the stomata of the leaves stay open longer in periods of stress.

 

This cycle of mycorrhizal symbiosis has a much longer lasting effect than other forms of biostimulation, since the fungus is able to repeat it each time it comes into contact with a new absorbent hair or rootlet, which means the symbiotic relationship is prolonged over time, as are its beneficial effects for the crop.

MycoUp® is, definitely, the biostimulant that helps you overcome the real challenge of agriculture: being more efficient.