This relationship is a natural infection of a plant’s root system in which the plant supplies the fungus with sugars and carbon and receives water and/or nutrients in return. Through this symbiosis the fungi and the plant naturally develop a lifelong bond of mutual benefit that’s existed for over 450 million years.
Mycorrhiza is the term used to describe the symbiotic relationship between mycorrhizal fungi and a plant’s root system. The term mycorrhiza comes from the Greek words for “fungus” and “root” and describes many diverse root-fungus associations. Mycorrhizal fungi can absorb, accumulate and transport large quantities of phosphate within their hyphae and release to plant cells in root tissue.
First the spore of mycorrhizal fungi germinates in the soil and make their way to the nearest roots. The roots are then colonized by the fungi, and mycorrhiza are established. The fungi penetrate the root, and create an internal network of fungal structures inside the root cells where the plant and mycorrhizae exchange sugars and nutrients.
Such bridges are responsible for the so-called wood wide web, network of connections among different plants forming a highway for horizontal nutrient movement.
The hyphae continue to develop outside the roots forming an extended network of fine filaments which cover up to 700 times more soil area than the plants’ own root.
Through widely branched mycelium the fungi can very efficiently absorb water and minerals including phosphorus and nitrogen and though the individual threads transport them straight into the tree roots. From there the water and minerals are transported into the leaves.
In the cells of the leaves photosynthesis takes place, creating dextrose from water, carbon dioxide, and the sun’s energy. So much dextrose is produced that it’s more than enough for the whole tree. What is left over, which can be to a third, is transported underground, For fungi this process is essential for survival as they themselves cannot produce any dextrose, This form of symbiosis is called mycorrhiza and there are advantages for both partners.
Mycorrhizal fungi are a critical component in agricultural systems because these organisms can increase plant growth, plant reproductive capacity, plant water stress tolerance, and plant health through antagonistic and competitive effects on pests and pathogens. This colonization may also enhance the plant’s resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses.
Mycorrhizal fungi
