Author
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NELLESSEN, PAULA - ALBUQUERQUE TECH-VOC INST |
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Entry, James |
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Submitted to: Yearbook of Science and Technology
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 6/17/2000 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Mycorrhizal fungi are ecologically significant because they form relationships in and on the roots of a host plant in a symbiotic relationship. The host plant provides the fungus with a soluble carbon source, and the fungus provides the host plant with an increased capacity to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Thus, both partners benefit from this relationship. It has been found that the majority of plants do have mycorrhizal fungi associated with them; some of these associations are very specific while others are very broad. Mycorrhizae greatly increase the total volume of soil which is available for nutrient and water uptake, by increasing the root surface area for absorption of water and nutrients. Technical Abstract: Mycorrhizal fungi are ecologically significant because they form relationships in and on the roots of a host plant in a symbiotic relationship. The host plant provides the fungus with a soluble carbon source, and the fungus provides the host plant with an increased capacity to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Thus, both partners benefit from this relationship. It has been found that the majority of plants do have mycorrhizal fungi associated with them; some of these associations are very specific while others are very broad. Mycorrhizae greatly increase the total volume of soil which is available for nutrient and water uptake, by increasing the root surface area for absorption of water and nutrients. |
