AusBonsai

Hey guys I have a styrofoam grow box which sits on the grass beneath one of my benches . I moved it the other day and noticed a patch of white fiberous fungi or something, I've just now noticed it on the surface amongst some fert pellets... is this the good type (micorrhiza or something along those lines) or is it a problem?







Cheers for any help!
Ben

Hello Ben,

It looks like and I'll put my money on the hyphae and mycelium being from beneficial mycorrhizal fungi.

Kevin

Hi Ben,

The first photo shows some highly rhizomorphic mycelium, typical of a saprotrophic basidiomycete. That is to say it looks as though it is likely a mushroom producing fungi that is more concerned with breaking down the dead organic matter in the soil than attacking the living tissue.

The second photo shows hyphae (the thin threads) containing sporangia (the small bulb like lump visible on the tips of some of the threads) and is likely in the phylum Zygomycota, so a non-mushroom producing fungus.

Neither are likely to directly harm your plant but a highly organic mix could become hydrophobic (repel water) if the particles in the mix become completely colonised.

Nice photos.

Joel

Thanks for the responses guys.
Joel you certainly know your stuff! What action can I take to avoid the soil becoming hydrophobic?

Cheers
Ben

Its good stuff don't worry. All natural organic breaking down of microbs. Will not hurt trees or soil. Once the sun and air get to it it will naturally die.
Cheers
Kirky

Good to hear! Thank you for the info everyone