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Using VA mycorrhizal fungi
The methods described above are suitable for fungi that produce large fruit bodies. The large fungi include species which produce mycorrhizal partnerships with many woodland plants. They form mycorrhizas called ectomycorrhizas, and these are the predominant type of mycorrhizas in many woodlands. Another important type of mycorrhizas occurs in woodlands. They are called endomycorrhizas and include many special types of specific mycorrhizas, e.g. those associated with orchids or with epacrid plants. Endomycorrhizas also include the so-called VA mycorrhizas . There are far fewer species of VA mycorrhizal fungi than ectomycorrhizal fungi in woodlands. VA mycorrhizal fungi are more dominant as partners of herbaceous plants and shrubs than with trees. Fungi which form VA mycorrhizas are generally not visible to the eye as most of them do not produce large fruiting bodies. Some VA mycorrhizal fungi are available commercially overseas. We do not advocate importing foreign inoculum into this country. (For mycorrhizal suppliers see the Mycorrhiza Information Exchange website) These are generally non-specific fungi suitable for agriculture and horticulture and may not be appropriate or effective for native plants used in revegetation. Currently little is known about the types and biology of VA mycorrhizal fungi in natural woodlands (see the CSIRO Mychorrhiza website for further information on VA mycorrhizas in Australian ecosystems).
Print Friendly Version (Section: "Using for Revegetation")
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