Mycorrhizae are a type of fungi that live in symbiosis with the vine. They are connected to the roots of the vine and allow nutrient exchange between the vine and mycorrhizae. The vine provides sugar produced via photosynthesis and the fungus provides mineral elements, mainly phosphorus but also nitrogen. Other interactions are assumed but not yet clearly established. The main advantage being the creation of a highly developed root network at a very early stage, production essentially begins with a jump-start and increased plant recovery ability. The benefits are multiplied in the instances of select vine replacement because of an increased competition with pre-existing vines. Six functions are modified by mycorrhizae’s presence:
- Water absorption
- Hormone activity
- Pathogene protection
- Environmental stress response
- Soil aggregation
- Adsorption of mineral and trace elements