Invisible allies in the soil

This is how mycorrhizal fungi protect ornamental plants from the effects of drought-induced stress!

Have you ever wondered how some plants manage to thrive even in the hottest heatwaves and driest conditions, whilst others wither away completely? 
The secret lies not on the surface, but in the soil, at the level of the roots. An important role is played here by the mycorrhizal fungus, which forms a special bond with the roots of plants.

What do you need to know about arbuscular mycorrhizae? 

Mycorrhiza is a lifelong, mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship between a plant’s roots and mycorrhizal fungi.

The fungus’s delicate network of threads (mycelium) weaves through the soil, and from places such as is able to make available water and nutrients (such as phosphorus, which is difficult to access), which the plant’s tiny hair-like roots would be unable to reach. In this way, the fungi are effectively able to extend the root. In return, the plant nourishes the fungus with the sugars produced during photosynthesis. 

This relationship significantly increases the plants’ resistance against the stresses caused by climate change, particularly drought and heat.

Real results from the flowerbed

Ornamental plant trials carried out in recent years have clearly demonstrated the beneficial effects of mycorrhizal fungi in combating drought.

• 💚 velvet blossom In the case of (stinkweed), for example, the researchers measured chlorophyll and carotenoid levels in mycorrhizal plants that were 60% higher than those in the control group; furthermore, the the diameter of their flowers and its quality has also improved significantly (Abdul-Wasea-Elhindi, 2011). 

• 💚 with copper flowers (zinnia) in an experiment carried out by the Rhizophagus irregularis with 20%, a Rhizophagus intraradices yet with 22% higher growth resulted in drought (Vahed Bagheri et al., 2019).

• 💚 Glomus deserticola In the leaves of garden sorrel inoculated with fungi, there is much more, despite the drought, the relative moisture content remained higher. The presence of the fungus increased the stability of the cell membranes, which proves that the Mycorrhizae helped to protect them from structural damage. At the same time, the efficiency of plants’ water use and flower yield has also improved dramatically (Asrar et al., 2012).

A 2026, lily varieties in a study on ’Taiwan’ and ‘Sorbonne’ Diversispora versiformis, as well as five arbuscular mycorrhizal species belonging to other genera, were studied.

It was found that the presence of mycorrhizal fungi

• not only the improved the structure of the root system,

• but at a biochemical level reduced the build-up of harmful free radicals as well, which are produced in large quantities in response to stress.

• With this reduced cell death,

• and They activated the plant’s own antioxidant enzyme system. 

Of the species studied, the Diversispora versiformis proved to be the most effective:  it significantly increased the mass of shoots and roots, improved root structure, and ensured higher chlorophyll levels and relative water content in the plants (Hussain et al., 2026).

So why is it worth using mycorrhizal fungi?

• Better water management: Plants are much more tolerant of water shortages.

• More efficient nutrient uptake: Even with less fertiliser, our plants still get more of the key nutrients (phosphorus, zinc, potassium).

• More attractive plants: Lush, green foliage; more and larger flowers.

• Defensive role: Stronger cells and a more active natural defence system against environmental stressors.

How can you achieve this in your own garden?

The good news is that the Mikomax GardenWith this, you can simply introduce these invisible helpers described here to the roots of your plants. It’s as if you were providing your garden plants with a natural, protective shield to your garden plants, as the mycorrhizal fungi help them to weather even the hottest, driest weeks of summer with abundant blooms and beautiful, healthy green foliage.

Check out the Danuba Garden website for further useful information on mycorrhizal fungi!

You can purchase our products from our online shop or from our retailers. You can find further information about our products and their dosages at the www.danubagarden.hu on the website.