As the demand for commercial mycorrhizal inoculum grows, industry forecasts predict the global mycorrhiza market will reach $2 billion within the next decade, with a CAGR of 10-15%.
But not all commercial mycorrhizal inocula are created equal.
There are two primary methods for large-scale mycorrhizal inoculum production: in vivo and in vitro. This article explores these methods and explains why in vivo production offers superior benefits.
At Mycointech, our commitment to delivering the most effective mycorrhizal inoculum drives us to use the in vivo method of production. Why? Let’s break down the differences between in vivo and in vitro mycorrhizal fungi production, and why our choice leads to healthier, more resilient plants:
In Vivo Production
- Cultivated on living host plants over a 9-month period.
- Allows for a broader diversity of fungal species, with no reproduction limitations.
- Produces healthier spores with longer viability in the soil, even without immediate root colonization.

In Vitro Production
- Grown in petri dishes or similar in vitro system over a shorter 3-month period.
- Limited to certain fungal species, reducing diversity.
- Spores are often smaller, paler, and less stress-tolerant.
Why In Vivo Production is Superior:
- Vigor and Viability: In vivo mycorrhizae are more vigorous, improving plant health and soil ecology.
- Stress Tolerance: In vivo spores thrive better in diverse, real-world environments, while in vitro spores are more vulnerable to stress.
- Spore Size and Colonization: In vivo spores are generally larger and more capable of effective plant colonization.
- Root Impact: In vitro methods may negatively affect root morphology, impacting plant nutrient uptake and resilience.
By choosing the in vivo method, we ensure that our inoculum offers long-term benefits for crops and enhances overall soil health.
Supporting Research:
A scientific study done by Calvet, C., Camprubi, A., Pérez-Hernández, A., & Lovato comparing these two cultivation methods for AMF—in vivo (with living plants) and in vitro (in a lab with transformed roots)—highlights the importance of using the right propagation technique. The study revealed that in vivo inocula consistently led to higher plant colonization rates and improved growth, while in vitro produced smaller spores which were less effective (Calvet, 2013).
As this research demonstrates, the way AMF is produced can have a profound impact on the effectiveness of inoculation and plant growth stimulation. At Mycointech, we prioritize an optimal production method to ensure that the products our clients receive deliver maximum benefits.
At Mycointech, we’ve developed an advanced in vivo method that produces a high concentration of spores per gram, while yielding exceptional purity and ensuring the absence of pathogenic microorganisms.
Ready to see how in vivo mycorrhizae can transform your agricultural products? Contact us today.
Calvet, C., Camprubi, A., Pérez-Hernández, A., & Lovato, P. E. (2013). Plant Growth Stimulation and Root Colonization Potential of In Vivo versus In Vitro Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Inocula. HortScience horts, 48(7), 897-901. Retrieved Oct 17, 2024, from https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI.48.7.897