Beginning of Creation | Mycorrhizae

                Including many people in the plant industry, most people have no idea what the word Mycorrhizae means, nor how Mycorrhizae fits into the plan for creation and plant symbiosis; Beginning of Creation: Mycorrhizae.

 The definition: Mycorrhizae is a symbiotic association between a fungus and the roots of a vascular plant in a mycorrhizal co-existence; the fungus colonizes the host plant’s roots either intra-cellularly as endomycorrhizae or colonizes surrounding cells as ectomycorrhizae.  The fungus assists in the absorption of minerals and water to the plant and defends the roots from other fungi and nemotodes (preditors) while the plant provides carbohydrates to the fungus.

 It has been postulated, by mycorrhizal researchers, that long before plants became established in the terrestrial environment, fungi, as mycorrhizal partners, were already associated with plants in the aquatic environment;  and, that it was the mycorrhizal fungi that made possible the plant’s conquest of the terrestrial environment.

These root-fungal partnerships  evolved as plants first invaded the land, over 400 million years ago and today are found across all major plants and ecosystems across the planet. We still have many undiscovered worlds to explore including the plant kingdom.

Roots with Mycorrhizal fungi

            We at Horticultural Alliance and especially its founder, James Quinn have devoted time, education and all our engergies to not only understanding Mycorrhizae; but, we grow it as the foundation of our DIEHARD “Cocktail” of Mycorrhizae, Humic acid, Yucca and approximately 100 other ingredients. 

            DIEHARDTM is used to assist new plantings in establishing themselves in the natural process of symbiosis with the natural ingredients of the soil.  These natural beneficial bacteria help the plant through any stress due to the transplant.

Take man and his need to manage the growth of the plant; provide plants with the ingredients of Mother Earth and The Beginning of Creation | Mycorrhizae.

           

DIEHARD™Mycorrhizae: Don't Plant Resets Without IT!

  Drought Protection!!

DIEHARD™Mycorrhizae: Don't Reset Without It! Anyone involved in agriculture, especially citrus, fruit and nut orchards understand the importance of new plantings to be able to endure droughts. Fortunately for ag. professionals, we at Horticultural Alliance have a solution for drought protection. Our compoounds are specifically formulated for new plantings to persevere through harsh periods of drought. We accomplish this by including dozens of university proven, and industry verified ingredients which enable transplants to root out suddently and completely. Don't plant orchards, groves or vineyards without it.

Horticultural Alliance's DIEHARD ™ Mycorrhizae products represent the latest in technology for you to manage the early growth of citrus trees during the establishment period and beyond. The product promotes overall plant health and soil health which in turn provides faster growth, higher yields and faster payback.

          

Drought And Its Effects On Resets: Battling It With DIEHARD™  Endo-mycorrhizal Products

• Reduce the harmful effects of drought stress and yield more profitable harvests with DIEHARD™  mycorrhizal citrus applications like

Many parts of the country are well known for its plentiful sunshine and rain fall. However, commercial plantings will typically go through periods of stress during the year whenever growth conditions are less than ideal. For example, drought stress can happen whenever soil water levels aren't adequate or whenever a front moves in with lower humidity - which is typical throughout the year. Drought is one of the most devastating stressors on crops, and can be brutal for new transplants. Because of the highly managed growing techniques used in commercial nurseries new plants simply are not prepared for field conditions in new, orestablished orchards. Drought
changes a tree's ability to take up nutrients from its surrounding soil and changes the way the tree produces roots, shoots, leaves and fruit. To strive for consistently profitable commercial harvests, grove managers must integrate strategies to minimize the negative effects of weather variations on  production.

Early Growth Strategies To Combat Drought With DIEHARD™  Endomycorrhizal Products

As we pointed out elsewhere on our website, conditions during early stages of  tree establishment are crucial for producing high-yield groves. Of all the advances made in grove management in recent times, the greatest potential for improvement is early young tree establishment in both reset and block planting operations. I think, after you try out the DIEHARD™  Endomycorrhizal products; you will agree the use of a "cocktail" of endomycorrhizal fungi, humic acids, amino acids, sea kelp extracts, yucca plant extracts, beneficial bacteria, vitamins, Trichoderma fungi, and Horta-Sorb® water management gels  results in better conditions to get the reset tree off to a better start.

Root Development, DIEHARD ™ Endomycorrhizae and Surviving Drought Stress

However, reset trees can still get stressed if conditions aren't optimal. The development of new roots at the expense or delay of additional shoot or top growth is one way a tree can recover from stress. Therefore, use of Endomycorrhizae and Horta-Sorb® water management gels can go a long way to sustain water and nutrients in area soils.

For example, when nutrients in the soil are insufficient, the tree may produce more root growth than shoot growth. In effect, the tree is "exploring" additional soil volume in an attempt to satisfy overall nutrient demand. A similar effect can occur during drought stress, when shoot and fruit growth are curtailed more than root growth, so root growth appears to occur first followed by shoot growth. Thus, moderately drought-stressed roots tend to explore more soil volume than well watered roots. New shoots can produce additional photosynthates and shoot and fruit growth will resume once roots have re-established the root-to-shoot ratio for existing conditions. Good water management, therefore, minimizes root growth so as to promote shoot growth and optimize yield.

The Bottom Line: Drought Resistant Transplants and Established Crops Yield More Cash

Wise, strategic water management is essential for vibrant plant growth . At Horticultural Alliance, we are dedicated to helping growers achieve the greatest yield possible. Along with Horta-Sorb® water management gel polymers, our DIEHARD™  Mycorrhizae blends are proven winners for protecting your valuable crops against the rigors of drought.  DIEHARD™ : Don’t replace your citrus grove without it.

Contact us, with questions: 800-628-6373


James J. Quinn,
President
Horticultural Alliance, Inc.
www.horticulturalalliance.com
info@horticulturalalliance.com

Can Superabsorbent Polymers Cause Over-Watering? 

As a landscaping business owner or nursery owner, it is critical to you that the products you use are safe and will not damage your inventory.

So, when we at Horticultural Alliance discuss the benefits of superabsorbent polymers, we naturally want to be certain that it meets at least both of these criteria. We get it. We wanted to know the same information when we began doing this. So we kept a running bibliography of reference materials on the subject of superabsorbent polymers. With us you can find an extensive list of research sources about their benefits, the science underpinning those benefits and a lot of technical details about their various, useful applications.

 We present to you our superabsorbent polymer, Horta-Sorb®.

Superabsorbent polymers:

•      Hold thousands of times their weight in water

•      Improve drainage

•          Promote root flourish

•     Counter the effects of standing water                                              

Want to know more?    Read on!

Because interest in superabsorbent polymers has steadily been on the rise from a variety of industry sectors; we thought we would devote this post to one of the most common questions we get. We alluded to this in an earlier blog when discussing several of the benefits of superabsorbent polymers and gel polymers; but, because we're such ardent advocates of them, we thought it mutually beneficial for us to revisit the subject.

Can Superabsorbent Polymers Cause Over-Watering?

Over-watering is caused by an over-abundance of water in a root zone. Standing water is the result of poor soil conditions for drainage. Drainage relies upon the particle size of the soil, mix, or gel that composes your plant's root zone.

Superabsorbent polymers, particularly when completely full or hydrated, have large sized particles. In fact, the superabsorbent polymers expand and contract. The expansion and contraction of the superabsorbent polymer between watering 'exercises' the mix, thereby promoting drainage. Therefore, the superabsorbent polymer, Horta-Sorb® will often improve drainage because it permits the grower to move to an extremely well-drained mix - one which he or she wouldn't otherwise be able to utilize without the superabsorbent as an amendment.

Remember, roots grow into the spore space between soil particles. Therefore, the more spore space available in the soil mix means that there is more room for roots to flourish.

That Sounds Almost Too Good To Be True! What About Too Much Spore Space? How Can Superabsorbent Polymers Overcome That?

The problem with lots of spore space is that a mix with a composition lacking density does not hold water.  Think again.  With our superabsorbent polymer , Hort-Sorb, it can hold as much water as you (and maybe more importantly, the plant) want! Plus, you and the plant benefit from the bonus that the roots will grow into a hydrated "nugget" of water!  Horta-Sorb®, Superabsorbent Polymers Do Not Cause Over-Watering.

Still have questions about superabsorbent polymers? Call us!
800-628-6373
941-739-9121

James J. Quinn,

President

Horticultural Alliance

www.horticultural alliance.com

Tags: gel polymers, superabsorbent polymers

What is the Most Accepted Use of a Superabsorbent Polymer?

What is the Most Accepted Use of a Super-absorbent Polymer? Traditionally, super-absorbent polymers have been used most as a bare root treatment, with the majority of focus being in forestry and landscaping businesses. For an interesting look at bare root transplants for trees, check out this blog called The Garden Professors. The post you'll be taken to by clicking on the link has some pretty nice photographs and a brief discussion of bare root planting versus burlap wraps for tree roots. Though that article doesn't discuss superabsorbent polymers directly, it does briefly allude to root desiccation. Of course, as a bare root treatment, superabsorbent polymers are an ideal defense against desiccation, as well as being a proactive measure to ensure the health of tree and plant roots.

Ask us here at Horticultural Alliance about Horta-Sorb®, our flagship superabsorbent polymer brand. Below you'll find a wide range of applications.

Superabsorbent Polymers And Nursery And Greenhouse Amendment Applications

Another prominent usage of superabsorbent polymers is as a soil amendment among greenhouse and nursery growers.
The different forms include:

Flower Beds And Superabsorbent Polymers

Broadcast Horta-Sorb® MD at the rate of 1 lb. per 100 sq. ft. and work into the earth 4-6 inches deep. Plant as usual.

Turf And Superabsorbent Polymers

Soil Amendment: Broadcast Horta-Sorb® MD at the rate of 3 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. With sprigging and seeding, work into the first 1" of soil with a till or by chain drag dressing at this rate for every 2 inches of soil depth, i.e., you could apply 3X the normal rate so long as the 9 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. was incorporated in six inches. With sod, simply lay sod on top of treated area without the need for tilling at the 3 lb. per 1,000 sq. ft. rate.

Greenhouse/Nursery And Superabsorbent Polymers

Potting mix amendment: Mix Horta-Sorb® LG or MD (depending on the size of the container - any questions, give us a call) with potting mix at the rate of 2 pounds per cubic yard. This rate is an average. For highly drained mixes, or mixes that you want to hold even more water in use a higher rate, i.e., 3 pounds, etc.

Bare root treatment: Dipping Roots - Mix Horta-Sorb® SM at the rate of 1 lb. per 30 to 35 gallons of water to form a root dip* the consistency of a heavy gravy. Adjust application rate to achieve this consistency.

Spraying Roots: Remove screens in equipment. Prepare mixture the same as Dipping Roots.

Interior Plants And Superabsorbent Polymers

Containered plants: The best way to use Horta-Sorb® with containered plants is to add the Horta-Sorb® MD or LG (depending on size of container) at the time of potting up the plants at the rate of 2 pounds per cubic yard of mix.
If the plants are already in containers then you must get the gel crystals into the ground with the use of a pencil, or similar object.

Potted plants: Poke one hole for each inch of pot diameter with a pencil, or similar object. Use the following application rates and evenly distribute into all the holes this amount of Horta-Sorb® LG.

As you can see, Horta-Sorb® superabsorbent polymers are now used in a wide range of applications. And this is just the beginning! What is the Most Accepted Use of a Superabsorbent Polymer? Contact: Horticultural Alliance with any questions you might have.

James J. Quinn

CEO

Horticultural Alliance, Inc.

www.horticulturalalliance.com

info@horticulturalalliance.com

Mycorrhizae : Horticultural Alliance

                              

Mycorrhizae and Horticultural Alliance

Mycorrhizae : Horticultural Alliance..A Winning Team!. During the past 15 years, our company has come a long way in accomplishing our goal to establish a national horticultural and agricultural resource for forward thinking professionals. We were the first company in our industry to establish trading partners based upon trust and an eagerness to put the customer first by formulating high value-added products. For example, in the arbor market we were the first company to offer an injectable mycorrhizal inoculant containing a complete bio stimulant package and beneficial bacteria package. We were the first company to offer an endomycorrhizal drench. Other so-called “experts” said it couldn’t be done - now we all can offer such a product. We were the first to include Trichoderma in nearly all of our formulations.

Customers and Horticultural Alliance
Soon, we will be the first company in the “Green Industry” to offer all of the ingredients that we use in our products to enable our CUSTOMERS to customize their own “cocktails” to suit any specific needs they may have. We are the first company in our industry to offer an “OPEN SYSTEMS” approach to satisfying you - OUR VALUED CUSTOMER. We believe that our CUSTOMERS are very smart and appreciate and understand that most new products and applications come from their inquisitive nature. All we have to do is listen and make their ideas a reality. Because of this honest approach to our customers our company has prospered. We continue to strive to earn our place to do good business with our CUSTOMERS and are always mindful that the real measurement of how good we are to our customers is the impact that we have on their bottom line - and indeed our own bottom line.  Mycorrhizae : Horticultural Alliance both symbiotic with life and growth.

Look at ALL our DIEHARD™  Products
www.horticulturalalliance.com

James Quinn
Horticultural Alliance, Inc.
info@horticulturalalliance.com

Landscaper-Your Clients Forgetting To Turn On The Sprinklers? Get Horta-Sorb

Landscaper-Your Clients Forgetting to Turn on the Sprinklers? As a landscaping or lawn service business owner, you know that there is an implicit partnership you take on with your clients when you landscape their lawn or business property. You explain to them how often and when they must water to keep their turf and flora lush, growing and vibrant. However, it doesn't always work out so well, does it?
Chances are, if your clients own business property, they will enlist you to ensure that the sprinkler system is properly timed, seeking your assistance in times of drought to maintain appropriate levels of water to help ensure that the landscaping stays alive and well. However there is good news for both circumstances.

■Do not lose business due to your clients' bad watering habits or even drought.

Here, at Horticultural Alliance, we specialize in helping landscapers and lawn care service providers keep their clientele happy and calling back. How? When it comes to keeping turf and landscaping properly watered, we advocate the use of Horta-Sorb® Super Absorbent water management gels.

Why Horta-Sorb® Superabsorbent Water Management Gels Could Save Your Business

Horta-Sorb® superabsorbents will help guard against watering errors. Horta-Sorb® water mangement gel reduces stress and watering maintenance. Not only will they protect against mental errors, they will also help guard your hard work against droughts when watering restrictions are in place. With today's very unpredictable weather patterns, this could be a boon for your business. Diehard™ Transplant too is used when planting in a drought area.  Diehard™ Transplant contains 30% Horta-Sort®, along with ingredients naturalizing the plant and ground with beneficial organisms which all plants require.

■Reduced watering - with your company labor or your clients

■Reduced transplant shock - a potential problem which reflects poorly on your company

■Reduce re-plants - very costly and embarrassing to your company

■Shows that your company has forward thinking management

■Both you and your clients will notice the difference

■Our superabsorbent gel polymers in Horta-Sorb® will constantly retain and supply water to turf, trees, plants and shrubs.

Why Horta-Sorb® Superabsorbent Gel Polymers Will Help Keep You Sprouting New Business

In landscaping, one shining example of your success can lead to new business. The use of superabsorbent gel polymers will greatly increase your chances of not only keeping your current customer retention rate high, but also lend a hand with keeping your business growing.

If your clients forget to turn on the Sprinklers, we have the solutions. Yet If You Have More Questions About Horta-Sorb® Superabsorbent Gel Polymers, contact us at:http://www.horticulturalalliance.com.

Just contact us! And please feel free to browse our site. We are dedicated to helping companies around the country just like yours grow and support landscapers-your clients forgetting to turn on their sprinklers.

James Quinn,
CEO
Horticultural Alliance, Inc.info@horticulturalalliance.com
www.horticulturalalliance.com

Turn Your Nursery Into A "Green" House With DIEHARD

Turn Your Nursery into a Green House with DIEHARD™:  As a nursery owner, you know your business depends on the transplant value of your products. If your customers are constantly buying plants or other flora that do not survive the transplant stage; they'll soon surmise that something may be up on your end. That's why Horticultural Alliance's DIEHARD™ line of mycorrhizal fungi applications are so valuable for your nursery business. The bottom line: you need to grow greener and more sustainable to grow your "green" and expand your business. We can help you with that.

■Increase the value of your inventory by helping guarantee the life of your products into and beyond the transplant stage

■Grow your reputation as a reliable vendor and grow your green

We have a full line of DIEHARD™ nursery mycorrhizal fungi applications specially formulated for nursery applications (and the health and wealth of nursery owners) that includes:

■Mycorrhizal Starter Mixes

■Root Dips

■Root Drenches

■Soluble Kelp Applications

What Products Will Help My Nursery Grow?

The first thing to know about our DIEHARD™ mycorrhizae nursery line is that they are fully-customizable to meet your needs. With that said, our currrent line is proven to help sustain plants through the transplant stage and help them grow their little green hearts out well into the future. Let's take a closer look at what we have to offer nursery and greenhouse owners.

(Note: For full details please click on each link provided below. You will be taken to a page for a fuller explanation of our specific mycorrhizal formulation benefits).

1. DIEHARD™ Root Dip- For bare root treatments with both ecto and endomycorrhizae.

2. DIEHARD™ Ecto Root Dip - For ecto-specific species such as oak and pine.

3. DIEHARD™ Ecto Drench - Ecto for propagators.

4. DIEHARD™ Endo Drench - Endo for propagators.

5. DIEHARD™ Ericoid Root Dip - For ericoid-specific species such as azalea, blueberry, camelia, cranberry, heather, etc.

6. DIEHARD™ Starter Mix - DIEHARD™ Endo Starter is designed to be used as a propagation amendment treatment with live beneficial mycorrhizal fungi to inoculate the roots of plants being propagated.

7. DIEHARD™ Endo Starter - Ecto propagation soil amendment.

8. DIEHARD™ BioRush - Dry, soluble biostimulant with Trichoderma and complete beneficial bacteria package.

9. DIEHARD™ BioRush Plus - Dry, soluble 3-0-20 biostimulant with Trichoderma and complete beneficial bacteria package.

10. DIEHARD™ BioRush FE - Dry, soluble biostimulant with Trichoderma and complete beneficial bacteria package and iron.

11.DIEHARD™ SP Humate - Dry, soluble humic acid blend.

12.DIEHARD™ Soluble Kelp - Dry, soluble sea kelp blended with a matrix of beneficial nutrients.

Turn Your Nursery Into A "Green" House With DIEHARD™ Mycorrhizal Fungi.  If you have questions about the manifold, green-growing benefits of mycorrhizae fungi inoculant infused DIEHARD™ products, we at Horticultural Alliance,

www.horticulturalalliance.com, have answers.

Simply contact us or leave a message here at our blog and we will be elated to assist you with growing your nursery business.

Jim Quinn, CEO
Horticultural Alliance, Inc.
info@horticulturalalliance.com