MycorrhizaeFrom the greek words myketos, fungus, and rhiza, root, mycorrhizae are a fungus with a sy
MycorrhizaeFrom the greek words myketos, fungus, and rhiza, root, mycorrhizae are a fungus with a symbiotic (generally mutualistic) relationship with the roots of vascular plants. The roots of the plant provide the fungus with carbohydrates in the form of glucose or sucrose, from photosynthesis. And the fungus provides the plant with macros nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen due its increased absorption ability. Most plant species have adapted relationships with generalist and/or specialized (species specific) mycorrhizal fungi due to gains in fitness. Aside from increases in productivity, mycorrhizal plants display higher resistance to disease, drought, soil toxins, and an increased rate of colonization. Fungal networks can be as large as four square miles, and have a large impact on what plants can colonize that particular area. Intricacies of this relationship are not well understood, but shed light on the importance of fungal communities on plant productivity. -Greg AegisSources-Trees, truffles, and beasts: how forests function – Chris Maser, Andrew Claridge, James Trappe 2008, Book.-Forests Forever: Their ecology, restoration, and protection – John Berger 2008, Book.Photo Credithttp://faslanyc.blogspot.com/ -- source link
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