Mycorrhiza

Arbuscular mycorrhiza seen under microscope. Arbuscular mycorrhiza are those where the fungus penetrates the outer layer of the cells of the roots of a plant, in this case flax.

Topic in Gardening courses

A mycorrhiza is a symbiotic (generally mutualistic, but occasionally weakly pathogenic) association between a fungus and the roots of a higher plant. In a mycorrhizal association, the fungus colonizes the host plant's roots, either intracellularly or extracellularly. They are an important component of soil life.

Definitions of mycorrhiza

• "Mycorrhizas are symbiotic associations essential for one or both partners, between a fungus (specialised for life in soils and plants) and a root (or other substrate-contacting organ) of a living plant, that is primarily responsible for nutrient transfer. Mycorrhizas occur in a specialised plant organ where intimate contact results from synchronised plant-fungus development."
• "A mycorrhiza is a symbiotic (generally mutualistic, but occasionally weakly pathogenic) association between a fungus and the roots of a vascular plant. In a mycorrhizal association, the fungus colonizes the host plant's roots, either intracellularly as in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), or extracellularly as in ectomycorrhizal fungi. They are an important component of soil life and soil chemistry.

Chunks of information

• Do you know how long all the root segments of the entire root system of a single rye plant can become? According to Brian Capon in his book 'Botany for gardeners' it was once measured. The figure is unbelievable: 380 miles or 630 km.

Ericoid mycorrhiza

Ericoid mycorrhiza are a symbiotic relationship between fungi and the roots of plants from the order Ericales (for example tea, blueberry, azalea).

See also

• Research page:Mycorrhiza

External links

• An online textbook to provide current information about mycorrhizal associations
• SpringerLink: Online magazine about mycorrhiza

Videos

• Arbuscular mycorrhiza A collection of videos in the Mashpedia Life Encyclopedia.
• "Ever wonder how mycorrhizal fungi improve plant nutrition? This video shows how mycorrhizal hyphae access, unlock and transport soil nutrients."
  
  
• "Michael Melendrez talks about the role of Mycorrhiza: endo/ecto." Part of the content: Grass roots of any kinds of grass grow with many mycorrhiza, which is why lawns and grass land still keeps much of their fertility despite otherwise wrong agricultural methods.