Beneficial Microorganisms
Provide Enzymes
“
Enzymes become a
biological regulatory
system for many of the
chemical reactions
that affect plant life
and are an important
connection between
minerals, microbes, and
biological creatures.”
42
Maximum Yield
An example of indirect enzyme
supplementation is the use of beneficial
microorganisms. Supplementing beneficial
microorganisms into a medium or nutrient
solution will indirectly increase the
number of enzymes since the beneficial
microorganisms produce the enzymes.
Mycorrhizae are very popular beneficial
microorganisms to be supplemented
in a garden. The enzymes (including
some hydrolytic enzymes) produced by
mycorrhizae fungi are what makes them
such assets to their synergistic plant
partner. It is the enzymes released by
mycorrhizae that help make some of the
hard-to-capture nutrients — such as organic
nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron — available.
Trichoderma is another beneficial micro-
organism supplemented by horticulturists.
As with mycorrhizae, the benefits derived
are directly linked to the specific enzymes
released. The enzymes released by trich-
oderma are called chitinase enzymes and
their main role is to break down chitin.
Chitin is the main component of fungal
cell walls, which means the enzymes
created by trichoderma can help protect a
plant from pathogenic fungi. In fact, it is
the chitinase enzymes produced by trich-
oderma that are responsible for tricho-
derma’s reputation in warding off patho-
gens. When pathogenic fungi exist in the
soil, trichoderma will increase chitinase
production, which, in turn, will attack the
pathogen. Many indoor horticulturists are
adding trichoderma as extra insurance
against root-borne pathogens.
Trichoderma also produces cellulase
enzymes, which break down cellulose.
Cellulase enzymes can add another level
of protection for plants. The cellulase
enzymes can penetrate the cells in the
plant’s root system, instantly triggering
the plant’s natural defenses and
stimulating the plant’s metabolism. No
real harm is done to the plant and the
heightened response helps protect the
plant from other pathogens.
Whether a horticulturist supplements
an isolated enzyme formula or the
microorganisms producing the enzymes,
the benefits of enzymes in the garden are
undeniable. Considering nutrient uptake is
dependent on multiple chemical reactions
in the soil, and enzymes are the catalyst
to increase the rate of those reactions, it
is no wonder so many growers are relying
on enzyme supplementation. As more is
discovered about enzymes and how they
can assist gardeners, the horticultural
industry is sure to see even more enzyme-
specific additives, fertilizers, and pest
control products emerge in the future.