growing strong seedlings
Microbial Inoculants
Treating seedlings with microbial inoculants is also a good
idea. Some microbes fix nitrogen from the air and feed it to
the plant, others solubilize phosphorus, and some produce
plant protection agents and rooting hormones. For example,
some micro-organisms produce the amino acid tryptophan on
the surface of the roots. The root cells easily absorb the tryptophan and transport it to the leaves, where it is converted into
IAA. The IAA is then pumped to the roots to stimulate the growth
of new root hairs.
Beneficial microbes also produce siderophores. The word siderophore
literally means “iron carrier.” One of the strongest chelators of iron in
nature, siderophores act indirectly as plant protection agents. As beneficial bacteria colonize the root surface, siderophores sequester iron and
Phosphorus is the energy
element. It energizes the rooting
process, and extra phosphorus
is included in most commercial
starter fertilizers.”
make it unavailable to foreign invaders
so the roots are protected from root
pathogens such as pythium and rhizoctonia. Some soilless mixes take advantage of the process by adding certain
species of bacillus subtilis to the blend
and calling it a biofungicide.
Propagation is easy if you have the right
tools and follow a few simple instructions. Just give the seeds a good soaking,
and provide adequate light and warmth.
Afterwards, it only takes a little coaxing
to grow strong, healthy seedlings with
thick stems and dark green foliage.
Propagation is the least expensive part
of indoor growing, so don’t be afraid to
throw in a few extra seeds, and always
select the best of the best!
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Maximum Yield USA | April 2015