Serendipita indica
Serendipita indica (formerly Piriformospora indica) is a highly effective endophytic fungus recognized for significantly boosting plant growth, resilience, and productivity through beneficial root colonization.
Known…
Strength
245 Active Spores per gram
Benefits
Increased Plant Growth
Stimulates biomass accumulation and overall plant vigor by enhancing nutrient efficiency and activating growth-promoting pathways.
Enhanced Disease Resistance
Strengthens plant immunity by inducing systemic resistance, activating defense genes, and protecting against fungal and bacterial pathogens.
Optimized Nutrient Absorption
Improves nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron uptake, ensuring better nutrient availability and utilization, even in nutrient-deficient soils.
Hormonal Regulation
Modulates phytohormones like auxins and gibberellins, promoting root elongation, lateral root formation, and improved stress adaptation for healthier plant development.
FAQ
Q: Can Serendipita indica be used for all crops?
A: Yes, it has a wide host range and is beneficial for numerous agricultural, horticultural, and forestry crops.
Q: How quickly does Serendipita indica show results?
A: Initial beneficial effects on root development and nutrient uptake can typically be seen within a few weeks of application.
Q: Is Serendipita indica safe for organic farming?
A: Absolutely, Serendipita indica is entirely natural and compliant with organic farming standards.
Q: How should Serendipita indica be stored?
A: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Shelf life varies by formulation but is typically 12-24 months under proper storage conditions.
Mode of Action
Serendipita indica initiates a symbiotic relationship by colonizing plant roots intracellularly and intercellularly without harming the plant tissues. Upon colonization, the fungus releases beneficial signaling compounds and enzymes that enhance plant physiological and metabolic processes.
This symbiotic relationship leads to a multitude of beneficial effects, including:
Enhanced Nutrient Uptake: Serendipita indica activates specific nutrient transporters in the plant roots, significantly improving the absorption of essential nutrients such as phosphorus, nitrogen, and trace elements from the soil.
Hormonal Modulation: It influences the synthesis and regulation of essential plant hormones such as auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, and ethylene, promoting root growth, plant development, flowering, and fruit setting.
Antioxidant and Stress Response Activation: Serendipita indica boosts the plant's natural antioxidant mechanisms, increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD). This leads to improved resilience against oxidative stress induced by environmental challenges such as drought, salinity, heat, and heavy metal toxicity.
Enhanced Photosynthesis Efficiency: By optimizing nutrient availability and hormonal balance, Serendipita indica significantly improves photosynthetic efficiency and chlorophyll content in plants, resulting in better energy capture and growth.
Systemic Resistance and Disease Protection: The fungus triggers systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and induced systemic resistance (ISR) pathways in host plants. This activates the plant’s natural defense mechanisms, offering protection against various soil-borne and airborne pathogens, reducing disease incidence and severity.
Root System Expansion: Serendipita indica significantly enhances root architecture, promoting denser and more extensive root systems. Improved root structure aids in better water retention and soil stability, resulting in stronger, healthier plants.
Additional Info
Applications and Recommended Crops:
Agricultural Crops: Wheat, maize, rice, soybean, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.
Horticultural Crops: Grapes, citrus fruits, berries, apples, and stone fruits.
Medicinal Herbs: Basil, turmeric, ginger, ashwagandha.
Ornamentals and Forestry: Ornamental plants, tree seedlings, landscaping projects.
Compatibility
Compatible with bio pesticides, bio fertilizers and plant growth hormones but not with chemical fertilizers and chemical pesticides
Shelf life
Stable within 1 year from the date of manufacturing
Dosage & Application
Recommended Usage:
Seed Treatment: Apply 5-10g per kg of seed
Root Dip: Mix 10-15g per liter of water, dip roots for 20-30 minutes before transplanting
Soil Application: Apply 1-2kg per acre mixed thoroughly into the soil
Irrigation: Compatible with drip irrigation at 0.5-1kg per acre
Serendipita indica is not classified as an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF). Instead, it is an endophytic fungus, belonging to the order Sebacinales.
