What are Mycorrhizae?
Mycorrhizae are symbiotic relationships between plant roots and fungi. The word “mycorrhizae” meaning “fungus” and “root” come from the words “myco” and “rhiza” respectively. Mycorrhizae have been around for about 400 million years and can be found in about 90% of all land plants. The fungi infect the roots without causing disease. The plant provides the fungus with sugars and carbon and, in return, receives water and nutrients.
Mycorrhizae hyphae absorb and directly deliver nutrients to the roots. It increases the absorption area by 50 times and increases the overall root biomass. Mycorrhizal symbiosis increases the plant’s effective water utilization capability and also improves the utilization of soil nutrient capability, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and micronutrients.
An Overview of Mycorrhizae – Types, Examples, and Importance
Mycorrhizae is a symbiotic association between fungi and plant roots. It forms when fungi colonize a plant’s root system. The plant provides the fungus with carbohydrates, and the fungus helps the plant absorb more water and nutrients. Many mycorrhizae types come in different forms, depending on the host plant and fungal taxonomy. Mycorrhizae helps plants absorb more water and nutrients, especially phosphorus. They also make plants less susceptible to water stress.
Table of Content
- What are Mycorrhizae?
- Structure of Mycorrhizae
- Diagram of Mycorrhizae
- Types of Mycorrhizae
- Mycorrhizae Examples
- Importance of Mycorrhizae
- Conclusion – Mycorrhizae
- FAQs on Mycorrhizae
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