Douglas Hinds wrote:
Toward biocontrol of Phytophthora using the beneficial fungus Pisolithus Tinctorius, which produces substances with antibiotic activity contra Phytophthora, according to sources I found in Medline (if I recall - I was using Uncover, I believe), a biomedical database, in 1998. (I don't have the details on this computer).
Sal then asked:where do you buy your beneficial fungus and any other life forms your raising when you make the tea
Pisolithus Tintorius can be obtained from: Plant Health Care, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA <www.planthealthcare.com/> (They sell: MycorTree PT Spore Spray)
There may be other sources available.
http://botit.botany.wisc.edu/toms_fungi/jun2003.html Pisolithus tinctorius is a mycorrhizal fungus, which means that it gets its nutrition in a mutualistic association with the roots of trees, mostly with conifers, but sometimes oaks. Remember that in a mycorrhizal association such as this, both partners benefit. This fungus is very useful in reclamation and reforestation of disturbed and poor soils, such as strip mines. It can survive low pH (high acidity), high concentrations of heavy metals, and high soil temperatures in the summer, along with the accompanying drought. It is also useful in the restrictive environment of nurseries. It seems to be a "super-mycorrhiza," and inoculum of "P.t." in the form of spores can be commercially purchased. So even in the "world's ugliest fungus" there is still some good.
what do you feed while brewing.
what all goes into the tea?
I haven't got that far yet.
When used with potatoes how is Pisolithus Tinctorius applied? to the seed potatoes before planting? segmented or whole? after planting? Is Pisolithus Tinctorius best applied 1)alone, i.e. according to manufacturer's directions? or 2)in compost tea? If 2) how/when is it added to the tea? What compost tea ingredients would be beneficial a)to Pisolithus Tinctorius and/or b)in combination with Pisolithus Tinctorius, to plants the tea is applied to. What compost tea ingredients would be harmful to, or not beneficial to, Pisolithus Tinctorius?
LL -- Lawrence F. London, Jr. Venaura Farm lflj@bellsouth.net.net http://venaurafarm.blogspot.com/ http://www.ibiblio.org/ecolandtech/market-farming