While browsing through online information about mycorrhiza in heathers (Ericaceae), I became curious about a report that mycorrhizal fungi were actually found not only in the roots but also in the shoots. I decided to test this on wild and cultivated blueberries in the nursery. It turned out that mycelium had grown from pieces of shoots and leaves grafted onto the medium in both cases. Morphologically, these are mycorrhizal fungi, which means, however, that they enter the plant and not just the roots. Of course, this issue requires further observation, but this fact explains a lot and shows why plants with mycorrhiza are more resistant to disease. The mycelium present in the plant largely blocks the biochemical access of pathogens and, together with bacteria, can also annihilate such a pathogenic fungus. We therefore recommend reducing protection and eliminating some praparatives altogether, as they can kill the mycorrhizal mycelium. The plant is defended by beneficial fungi and, together with them, associative bacteria.

Of course, “Chemists” will recommend various measures, but they all weaken the natural immunity of plants with mycorrhiza. It is important to remember that plants have trained this behaviour for millions of years without chemicals. I think it is the same with other plants that have mycorrhiza. I attach current photos of such isolates.

It is worth thinking about this when reaching for chemicals.