Gourt > Science > Biology > Mycology > Mycorrhizae
A mycorrhiza (typically seen in the plural forms mycorrhizae or mycorrhizas, Greek for fungus roots) is the result of a symbiotic association between a fungus and a plant. This symbiosis takes place at the root level, where individual hyphae extending from the mycelium of a fungus colonize the roots of a host plant.
This symbiotic association provides the fungus with a renewable source of food through access to fixed carbon (sugars) from plant photosynthate. These are translocated to the root tissues from their source location (usually leaves), and then to the fungal partners. In return, the plant gains the use of the mycelium's tremendous surface area to absorb mineral nutrients from the soil. It is believed that the mycelia of mycorrhizal networks have better mineral absorption capabilities compared to plant roots. An example of this is the manner in which phosphate ions are tightly bound to iron oxides in many soils. Plant roots are generally incapable of accessing these phosphorus sources (which can be large and are termed sinks), yet mycorrhizal mycelia can access these forms of phosphorus. The mechanisms of increased absorption are both physical—mycorrhizal mycelia are much smaller in diameter than the smallest root hair and thus are able to explore a greater volume of soil and have a much larger surface area for absorption—and chemical—the cell membrane chemistry of fungi is different from that of plants. Mycorrhizae are especially beneficial for the plant partner in nutrient poor soils.
Furthermore, mycorrhizal plants are generally more resistant to diseases, such as those caused by microbial soil-borne pathogens, and are also more resistant to the effects of drought.
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Rooting Stimulator an organic choice | Mycorrhizae Inoculants for better plant roots and healthier plants: http://bit.ly/1nxSjq
planthydroponic (Advanced Nutrients) Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:42:26 -0000
Rooting Stimulator an organic choice | Mycorrhizae Inoculants for better plant roots and healthier plants: http://bit.ly/1nxSjq
The unseen universe of Mycorrhizae fungus & its relationship with plants http://twurl.nl/3lff7r
JoshSpece (Joshua Spece) Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:01:56 -0000
The unseen universe of Mycorrhizae fungus & its relationship with plants http://twurl.nl/3lff7r
going to an #elearnconf talk on a totally new-to-me topic: Wildfire Activities, mycorrhizae Communities & Structures in formal learn & teach
tsaj (Tami Saj) Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:14:40 -0000
going to an #elearnconf talk on a totally new-to-me topic: Wildfire Activities, mycorrhizae Communities & Structures in formal learn & teach
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A Practical Introduction to Mycorrhiza - Discusses types of mycorrhizas, their role in seed germination and other higher-plant processes, plants that form mycorrhizas, and benefits.
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Afforestation of Treeless Areas - Report on mycorrhiza formation with tree genera from around the world and use in reforestation projects.
Conference on Rhizobium and Mycorrhizae in Crops - Summary of a 2001 conference on plant microbial interactions in crop production and utilisation, with photos and electron micrographs of root nodules.
Meta Description: [ A conference to be held on positive plant microbial interactions in crop production and utilisation, at the University of Sunderland, UK. ]
Mycorrhiza Information Exchange - Global clearinghouse for mycorrhizal information. Organized links and information related for education, research and business applications of mycorrhizal symbiosis.
Meta Description: [ Welcome to a global clearinghouse for mycorrhizal literature. ]
Mycorrhiza.com - Information on the use of mycorrhizal inoculum.
Meta Description: [ Mycorrhizal inoculation can significantly improve plant performance. You'll find our inoculant is inexpensive and easy to use. Scientific tests demonstrate mycorrhizal benefits to plants: increased survival, growth, uniformity and decreased shock, pathogens and fertilizer use. ]
Mycorrhizal Symbiosis and Plant Responses to the Environment - Discusses some University of Tennessee research.
Overview: Mycorrhizas - Introduction to the topic as part of a university course in fungal biology.
Meta Description: [ Introduction to Fungal Biology for university students studying biological science. ]
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Working with Mycorrhizas in Forestry and Agriculture - Introduction to the structure, development and function of mycorrhizas, especially vesicular arbuscular and ectomycorrhizal associations. Includes illustrations, lists of Australian host plants, fungi associated with Eucalyptus and teaching resources.
Meta Description: [ Introduction to the structure, development and function of mycorrhizas, especially vesicular arbuscular and ectomycorrhizal associations. Includes illustrations, lists of Australian host plants, fungi associated with Eucalyptus and teaching resources. ]
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