Fungal mycelia scavenged nutrients from rocks. And using hyphae, thin web-like strands, they penetrated these algae to absorb some of the sugars created by algal photosynthesis. So began the symbiotic partnership between plants and fungi. As algal material decayed, a thin layer of soil built up, leading to algae starting to grow tiny roots.
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As we now know this symbiotic partnership leads to strong root growth, we sprinkle a little fungal rooting powder in the planting hole for roses and other perennials.
This explains why the Forestry and Land Scotland organisation is currently investigating the effect of fungi on tree development. They’re using RhizoPellets, developed by Edinburgh-based Rhizocore Technologies. The pellets contain native ectomycorrhizal fungi that form underground networks to support tree growth. At a test site in Damside, North Lanarkshire, trees treated with RhizoPellets showed a 97 per cent survival rate after a year compared to just 78% for untreated saplings.
In our gardens, trees and other perennial shrubs are clearly benefiting from these partnerships. We all know, sometimes to our cost, just how widely tree and shrub roots can spread. I’m waging an endless battle with a not-too-distant Poplar as it’s roots are set on exploiting my polytunnel. While these roots are all-too-visible, the invisible fungal network is many times more extensive.
Mycorrhizal fungi not only link to one plant but develop an interconnected network with other trees, shrubs and with many of our herbaceous perennials. Scientists are now trying to understand what signals are passed between fungi and individual trees and the extent of any communication between the trees themselves. Who knows, as we walk through a wood, there may be as vibrant an internet beneath our feet as above our heads.
And there’s always a fungus to suit any situation, whatever the state of our gardens. As a general rule of thumb, ‘beneficials’ benefit from well-drained but moist conditions and their fruiting bodies – like the mushrooms we see – can often be found growing in woodchip and bark mulches, on decaying stems and branches, and a wood pile. In fact fungi are the only organisms capable of breaking down the lignin in wood.
Many different fungi, including edible field mushrooms, appear in long-established grass. The brightly coloured Waxcaps are one of the most attractive. Interestingly, Highland Council, in partnership with Plantlife is conducting a study into Waxcaps, inviting people to identify and report any sightings in graveyards, where they are frequently found.
Another beauty growing at the perimeter of my ground next to an ancient Alder woodland is Scarlet Elfcup. The interior of the cup is utterly gorgeous. So look out for all these truly spectacular fruiting bodies in the garden and when out on a walk.
Digging the soil destroys the delicate mycorrhizal network, thereby reducing fungal effectiveness and, as you’d expect, synthetic chemicals – ground or lawn poisoning applications — destroy or severely damage fungi. And healthy plants will be much less susceptible to attack from the pathogens.
Plant of the week
Katsura tree(Image: unknown)
Cercidiphyllum japonica (Katsura Tree) has beautiful heart shaped leaves that turn spectacular shades of yellow, purple and red. As if this wasn’t enough they smell of caramel as they fall from the tree.
Though not a fast grower C. japonica will eventually reach 15 metres but nurseries often prune young trees to encourage a multi-stemmed, shrubby habit more suitable for gardens.
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