Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, enhancing nutrient uptake and improving plant health and resilience. For UK gardeners, horticultural professionals, and educational institutions, obtaining samples of these beneficial fungi can be a key step in improving soil health and plant vitality. The available source materials provide specific details on how to access free samples of mycorrhizal inoculants, as well as information on scientific sampling for research and educational purposes. This article outlines the verified pathways for obtaining such materials, focusing on official programmes and instructions.
Free Product Samples for Gardeners and Professionals
Several commercial entities offer free samples of mycorrhizal inoculants, typically requiring an online request or direct contact with a sales representative. These programmes are often targeted at specific user groups, such as home gardeners, professional growers, or retailers.
Dynomyco Free Sample Programme
Dynomyco offers a free sample of their endomycorrhizal fungal product. The sample is intended to inoculate plants, which can lead to healthier plants and higher yields. To receive the sample, individuals must provide their details through an online form. Upon submission, they will receive an email containing instructions for obtaining the free sample. This programme is accessible to the general public, including home gardeners in the UK.
Mycorrhizal Applications at MANTS
The Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS) features Mycorrhizal Applications, which provides free, full-size product samples to qualified attendees. The samples available are AmyloShield, a biofungicide for qualified growers, and Magic Gardener Biological Disease Control for retailers. To determine eligibility for AmyloShield, interested growers must contact the sales manager, Jeff Gabric, via email at [email protected]. This opportunity is specifically for trade show attendees who meet the qualification criteria set by the company.
Scientific Sampling and Analysis Programmes
Beyond commercial product samples, there are programmes dedicated to scientific research and analysis of mycorrhizal fungi in soil and root systems. These are typically for researchers, agronomists, or land managers seeking to assess fungal presence or inoculum performance.
SymbioRoots Soil and Root Analysis
SymbioRoots offers a service for assessing mycorrhizal colonization and spore numbers. The process involves collecting specific samples and shipping them to their laboratory in Corvallis, Oregon, USA. The instructions are precise: * For Root Colonization: Excavate terminal feeder roots using a small soil corer or shovel. Place the soil and root sample (approximately half the volume of a golf ball) in an unsealed plastic bag to prevent rotting. Label each sample and indicate the assessment goals. Multiple small samples are recommended for accuracy. * For Spore Counts: Place about a cup of soil (250 ml) in an unsealed plastic bag to prevent anaerobic conditions. For commercial inoculum, send at least a cup (250 ml) in a sealed, labelled bag.
Before shipping, users must call SymbioRoots to notify them of the impending shipment. Samples should be sent promptly after collection to: SymbioRoots 1970 NW Lance Way Corvallis, OR, USA, 97330-2209 Tel. (541) 752-0339 [email protected]
This service is valuable for UK-based professionals who need to analyse soil health or the efficacy of mycorrhizal inoculants, though international shipping costs and logistics must be considered.
Educational and Research Resources
For those seeking to learn more about mycorrhizal fungi, a variety of educational resources are available online. These include university courses, scientific publications, and informational guides.
Cornell University Mycology Course
Cornell University offers an online mycology course led by Carol Shearer. The course includes a syllabus, lab exercises, and lecture illustrations, providing a structured learning path for students and enthusiasts.
The Mycorrhiza Information Exchange
This online platform serves as a comprehensive hub for information on mycorrhizae. It includes literature databases, job advertisements, teaching tips, images, and links to inoculum sources. Participation is encouraged, making it a collaborative resource for the scientific and horticultural community.
CSIRO Mycorrhizal Guide
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia provides a detailed guide to mycorrhizal associations. Adapted from a larger book by Mark Brundett, the guide covers the structure and development of mycorrhizae, complete with images and textual explanations. It is a valuable teaching tool for understanding these symbiotic relationships.
University of Helsinki Forest Research
The Biocenter at the University of Helsinki publishes scientific research on the diversity, interactions, and functions of forest tree mycorrhizae. These publications are available online and are useful for those with a deeper academic or professional interest in forest ecology.
Additional Educational Links
Other notable resources include: * Mycology Online: An Australian site focused on fungal pathogens of humans and the diseases they cause. * The Fifth Kingdom: An online supplement to W.B. Kendrick's mycology textbook, featuring over 800 illustrations and sample chapters. * Phylogenetic Navigator: A tool showing the evolutionary relationships of living organisms, including fungi. * Fungus of the Month: A website from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse that features entertaining and informative content on various fungi.
Global Mycorrhizal Biodiversity Mapping
For those interested in the broader ecological context, the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) conducts global expeditions to map and protect mycorrhizal biodiversity. While not a source of free samples, their work highlights the importance of these fungi in various ecosystems. SPUN has undertaken expeditions in locations such as Ghana, the Atacama Desert, Lesotho, the Netherlands, Italy, and Patagonia. Their research involves combining geo-located databases with ecological variables to generate spatial predictions of mycorrhizal diversity. This information is crucial for conservation efforts and understanding global soil health.
Conclusion
Accessing free mycorrhizal fungal samples and related educational resources in the UK involves several distinct pathways. Commercial sample programmes, such as those offered by Dynomyco and Mycorrhizal Applications, provide direct access to product inoculants, though eligibility may vary. For scientific analysis, services like SymbioRoots offer detailed instructions for collecting and shipping soil and root samples for assessment. Furthermore, a wealth of educational material is available from academic institutions and research organisations worldwide, covering everything from basic mycology to advanced forest ecology. By utilising these official resources, UK consumers, professionals, and students can effectively source and understand mycorrhizal fungi to benefit their gardening, agricultural, or research projects.