Effects of a new arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (Glomus iranicum) on grapevine development

During the spring of 2016, one-year-old own-rooted and 3-year-old grafted vines of cv. Sangiovese were treated with MycoUp, a formulation based on a recently identified mycorrhizal fungus, Glomus iranicum var. tenuihypharum sp. nova. The results are showing an impact on the development of the root system of the two different vine groups. The treated root systems were more expanded and able to explore a higher volume of soil. We observed a significant increase in total root volume and the volume of the soil explored by the entire root system, suggesting a more efficient use of water and nutrients, phosphorus in particular, with the potential of better overcoming periods of water stress.