RhizoBoost

RhizoBoost is a high quality inoculant for use in forestry and horticultural applications. RhizoBoost contains highly selected, elite strains of vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi.

Mycorrhiza

In normal soil conditions most plant roots form associations with mycorrhizal fungi. This benefits the plant by effectively extending the root system, increasing the availability of water and nutrients and protecting the roots against certain diseases.

The growth of fungal hyphae from the mycorrhizal root increases the volume of soil from which nutrients can be absorbed, thereby extending the root system. This allows more efficient uptake of nutrients from the surrounding soil, especially relatively immobile nutrients like phosphates and trace elements such as zinc and copper and increases resistance to water stress and extremes of salinity, pH and temperature.

Requirement for Inoculation

In natural ecosystems most plants are mycorrhizal and in some situations plant survival depends on this form of symbiosis. Mycorrhizal fungi are usually absent from the growing media used in commercial horticulture e.g. peat-based composts. Introduction of effective mycorrhizae, such as those in RhizoBoost, into the growing media at an early stage can produce significant benefits in many crops and horticultural applications.

Process of Inoculation

For root colonization to take place, it is essential that the inoculant is placed beneath the seed or seedling so that the developing root system will be in direct contact with the inoculant. To ensure optimum colonization by the fungus, and in the most economic way, the plants should be inoculated when as young as possible and in small soil volumes.

Benefits of Inoculation with RhizoBoost

• Increases plant growth, uniformity and yield.
• Reduces fertilizer and fungicide input.
• Increases resistance to root pathogens.
• Reduces transplant shock.
• Increases tolerance to environmental stresses.
• Promotes rooting.
• Improves crop uniformity.
• Accelerates growth cycles.
• Accelerates harvest time.

Using RhizoBoost

Fertilizer Regime: RhizoBoost works best with low nutrient levels. Avoid water soluble phosphate conditions exceeding 60 ppm. Typical NPK values should be 10-2-10.

Compost Compatibility: Certain types of peat may be deleterious to RhizoBoost, particularly if supplied as a high nutrient containing formulation.

Pesticide Compatibility: RhizoBoost is compatible with most pesticides. Fungicides specific to root rot causative agents, (Phytophthora, Pythium, etc.) such as propamocarb hydrochloride and metalaxyl are compatible. Nematicides including carbofuran and aldicarb and most herbicides have no negative effect.

Fungicide Compatibility: RhizoBoost is affected by some fungicides. Inhibition may be caused by Benomyl, Copper based formulations, Iprodione, Dichlofluanid and Zineb.

RhizoBoost is available in two formulations depending on the required application.

• Granular form for direct placement under propagule or incorporation into compost media
• Powdered form for incorporation into compost media or transplanting dipping media.

Application Rates

Large Transplanting Stock: Apply 1-4g of RhizoBoost granules directly under each transplanted propagule.

Soil Volumes Above 500ml: Incorporate 2-20g of RhizoBoost granules per liter of compost.

Soil Volumes Below 500ml: Incorporate 2-20g of RhizoBoost powder per liter of compost.

RhizoBoost is packaged in 500g jars and 2kg buckets

RhizoBoost should be stored in a cool, dry place in it’s original packaging to ensure maximum viability.

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