Emma Wilson
Mycorrhiza, derived from the Ancient Greek terms múkēs (fungus) and rhíza (root), refers to the symbiotic relationship between a fungus and a plant's root system. Mycorrhizae are classified into two types: endomycorrhizae, which produce hyphae inside the roots, and ectomycorrhizae, which produce hyphae outside the roots. The latter is further divided into two subtypes: sheathing ectomycorrhizae, commonly found in evergreen and deciduous trees, and nonsheathing ectomycorrhizae, which are less common. The mycorrhizal relationship is mutually beneficial, with the plant providing carbohydrates to the fungus and receiving enhanced water absorption and nutrients in return. This partnership has been crucial for plant growth and the evolution of life on Earth. While mycorrhizae are typically beneficial, they can occasionally exhibit parasitic behaviour towards their host plants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Mycorrhiza is a symbiotic association between a fungus and a plant |
| Types | Ectomycorrhizas, Endomycorrhizas, Ericoid mycorrhizae, Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, Arbutoid mycorrhizas, Monotropoid mycorrhizas, orchidaceous mycorrhizas, ectendomycorrhizas |
| Plant Species | 80-95% of all plant species form associations with mycorrhizal fungi |
| Fungi Species | There are several thousand different species of mycorrhiza fungi |
| Benefits to Plants | Improved nutrient efficiency, increased water absorption, improved soil structure, greater transplant success, increased stress tolerance, reduced nutrient runoff, drought resistance, disease resistance, improved growth |
| Benefits to Fungi | Receives sugars and carbon from the host plant |
| Use Cases | Agriculture, vineyards/orchards, nurseries, commercial growers, landscapes, homeowners, land reclamation projects, organic production |
| Commercial Availability | Yes, in granular, powder or concentrated solution form |
| Mushroom Formation | Ectomycorrhizae, which are a type of mycorrhizae, produce mushrooms as their fruiting structures |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Mycorrhiza are fungi that form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots
Mycorrhiza, derived from the Ancient Greek "múkēs" (fungus) and "rhíza" (root), refers to a symbiotic association between a fungus and a plant's root system. This relationship is mutually beneficial, with the fungus colonizing the host plant's root tissues and aiding in the absorption of nutrients and water, thereby promoting plant growth and health.
Mycorrhizae are classified into two main types: ectomycorrhizae and endomycorrhizae. Ectomycorrhizae, often abbreviated as EcM, form symbiotic associations with the roots of around 10% of plant families, mostly woody plants such as birch, oak, and pine families. They do not penetrate individual plant cells but form a structure called a Hartig net that surrounds the plant cells within the root cortex. This network of microscopic thread-like strands, or hyphae, can cover up to 700 times more soil than plant roots alone, allowing the fungus to absorb nutrients from a larger area and pass them on to the host plant.
Endomycorrhizae, on the other hand, produce hyphae that penetrate inside the plant roots. This type of mycorrhizae is further classified into several subgroups, including arbuscular, ericoid, arbutoid, monotropoid, and orchidaceous endomycorrhizae. Endomycorrhizal fungi benefit a large number of desert plants and are found in the roots of the majority of plant species worldwide.
Mycorrhizal fungi have been around for hundreds of millions of years and are believed to be the root of all life on land. They are commonly found in soils and form partnerships with more than 90% of all plant species. In addition to aiding in nutrient absorption, mycorrhizae can help plants resist drought, produce larger crops, resist diseases, and thrive in poor soils or adverse conditions.
Mycorrhizal relationships can also be observed in orchids, which are myco-heterotrophic and rely on their fungal symbionts for survival during their lifecycle. The specific type of mycorrhizae formed by orchids is called orchid mycorrhizae (OM), and it involves the penetration of hyphae into the root cells for direct nutrient exchange.
Microdosing Mushrooms: Effective or Just a Fad?
You may want to see also
They help plants absorb more water and nutrients
Mycorrhizae are a symbiotic association between a fungus and a plant, with the fungus colonizing the host plant's root tissues. This relationship has been around since plants began growing on land about 400 to 500 million years ago. Mycorrhizae play important roles in plant nutrition, soil biology, and soil chemistry.
Mycorrhizal fungi form an extensive underground network, known as mycelium, of microscopic thread-like strands or hyphae, which can cover up to 700 times more soil than plant roots alone. This network increases the root surface area, allowing plants to absorb water and nutrients more efficiently from a larger soil volume. The primary beneficiaries of mycorrhizal fungi are woody plants, but other types of plants also benefit.
Mycorrhizae can help plants resist drought, produce larger crops and flowers, and thrive on poor soils or in adverse conditions. They achieve this by facilitating the absorption of water and nutrients, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, and copper.
Mycorrhizal fungi can also help newly planted roses overcome rose replant disorder. In addition, they can aid in the establishment of plants, promoting healthy growth by supplying additional water and nutrients.
The Music of Mushrooms: A Sonic Exploration
You may want to see also
Mycorrhiza can protect plants from diseases and adverse conditions
Mycorrhiza, derived from the Ancient Greek "múkēs" (fungus) and ""rhíza" (root), is a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and a plant. The fungus colonizes the host plant's root tissues, either intracellularly or extracellularly, and receives sugars or lipids from the plant in exchange for water and mineral nutrients. This relationship is beneficial to both parties, and neither the host plant nor the fungus suffers any ill effects.
Mycorrhizae are important for plant nutrition and can increase the uptake of nutrients such as phosphorus, zinc, copper, nitrogen, and iron. They are also important for soil biology and chemistry, and their extensive underground networks can cover up to 700 times more soil than plant roots alone. This makes them particularly important for plants in poor-quality and low-fertility soils, as well as in adverse conditions such as drought, high temperatures, and salinity.
Mycorrhizae have been found to protect plants from diseases, particularly soil-borne pathogens. They excrete enzymes that are toxic to soil-borne organisms and prime the plant's immune response, making it more resistant to attacks. This protective effect is also seen in soils with high metal concentrations, such as acidic and contaminated soils. For example, pine trees inoculated with Pisolithus tinctorius and planted in contaminated sites displayed high tolerance, survivorship, and growth.
In addition to their protective role, mycorrhizae can also help plants resist adverse conditions such as drought. They are particularly important in regions with extreme climatic conditions, such as the Arctic, where nitrogen and water are harder for plants to obtain. Mycorrhizae can also help plants establish more quickly, boost healthy growth, and produce bigger crops and flowers.
Overall, mycorrhizae play a crucial role in protecting plants from diseases and adverse conditions, and they are an important natural resource for plant growth and health.
Mushrooms and Paranoia: What's the Link?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
They are found in most soils and plants
Mycorrhizae are found in most soils and plants. They are a symbiotic association between a fungus and a plant, with the fungus colonizing the host plant's root tissues. The plant supplies the fungus with sugars and carbon and receives water and nutrients in return. Mycorrhizae play important roles in plant nutrition, soil biology, and soil chemistry, helping plants resist drought, produce larger flowers and crops, and resist diseases. They also help plants to thrive in poor soils or adverse conditions, such as high temperatures, salinity, and toxicity.
Mycorrhizae are classified into two types: endomycorrhizae and ectomycorrhizae. Endomycorrhizae produce hyphae inside the roots, while ectomycorrhizae produce hyphae outside the roots. Ectomycorrhizae are further distinguished by the fact that they do not penetrate into plant cells but instead form a structure called a Hartig net that penetrates between cells. The two types of mycorrhizae have different plant associations. Endomycorrhizae benefit a large number of desert plants and the majority of plants worldwide, while ectomycorrhizae benefit mainly woody and tree species.
Ectomycorrhizae are associated with around 10% of plant families, mostly woody plants, including the birch, dipterocarp, eucalyptus, oak, pine, and rose families, orchids, and certain fungi. They associate with only about 2% of plant species on Earth, but these species are mostly dominant trees and woody plants, making up a large proportion of plant biomass. Some ectomycorrhizal fungi are specialists, associating with only one plant genus, while others are generalists, forming mycorrhizae with many different plants.
Endomycorrhizae are found in 85% of all plant families and occur in many crop species. They are formed only by fungi in the division Glomeromycota. Arbuscular endomycorrhizae are the most common type, having evolved alongside terrestrial plants around 450-500 million years ago. They are found in 78% of all plant species. Ericoid mycorrhizae, on the other hand, are only present in the Ericales order for plant hosts and the Leotiales order of fungi. They are found in extremely nutrient-poor soils in both hemispheres.
Mycorrhizal fungi form extensive underground networks, known as mycelium, which can cover up to 700 times more soil than plant roots alone. These networks connect individual plants, allowing them to share resources in a natural ecosystem, often described as the 'wood wide web'. Mycorrhizae can be found in most soils naturally, and gardeners can boost their levels by composting and mulching the soil with organic matter.
Mushrooms: Gut Health Superfood?
You may want to see also
Mycorrhiza can be purchased and added to planting holes
Mycorrhiza, derived from the Ancient Greek terms "múkēs" (fungus) and "rhíza" (root), is a symbiotic association between a fungus and a plant's root system. The fungus colonizes the host plant's root tissues, enhancing the plant's ability to absorb nutrients and water, thereby promoting its growth.
Mycorrhizal fungi can be purchased from garden centres, nurseries, or online retailers like Plant Success, Bio Organics, Soil Moist, and ARBICO Organics. They are available in granular, powder, or concentrated liquid forms, with prices ranging from a few dollars to several hundred based on the product and quantity required. Before purchasing, it is important to note that mycorrhizae are naturally present in most soils, so their addition may not be necessary.
When using mycorrhizal fungi, it is essential to follow the product instructions for optimal results. The application rates vary by product, but they are typically as little as a teaspoon or 50 milliliters for liquid solutions. Mycorrhizae can be added directly to the planting hole when planting seedlings, saplings, flowers, or repotting houseplants. This process is known as "seed banding," where the mycorrhizae are applied to the planting hole before seeding. The fungi then bond with the plant's existing root system, expanding its surface area and enhancing nutrient absorption.
For new plantings, granular products like EndoBoost Pro can be incorporated in various ways. A soil/root drench is effective for porous soils, ensuring complete root contact by watering it in well. On compacted soils, soil injection can be used by creating holes with a stake, usually 6-8 inches deep, and then pouring the mycorrhizal solution into the holes. Additionally, biopriming or seed soaking is a technique where seeds are soaked in a solution of mycorrhizal fungi and non-chlorinated water before planting.
Mushroom Buds: Do They Exist?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Mycorrhiza is a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and the roots of a plant. The plant provides the fungus with sugars and carbon, and in return, the fungus provides the plant with water and nutrients.
Mycorrhiza are fungi, and some types of fungi produce mushrooms as their fruiting structures. For example, the ectomycorrhizae, which are found on many evergreen trees and shrubs, produce mushrooms. Therefore, it can be said that some mycorrhiza have mushrooms.
Mycorrhiza provide many benefits to plants, including improved nutrient absorption, increased water absorption, improved soil structure, greater transplant success, and increased stress tolerance. They also help plants resist drought and diseases and improve growth.
Mycorrhizal relationships are very common, with estimates ranging from 80 to 95 percent of all plant species forming associations with mycorrhizal fungi. They are particularly common among woody plants and trees.
To encourage mycorrhizal growth in your garden, avoid using chemical weed killers, pesticides, and fungicides. Instead, focus on improving soil health by composting, using leaf mould, and avoiding synthetic fertilisers. You can also purchase mycorrhizal fungi products and add them to the planting holes when planting new plants.
![Mycorrhizae 16 Species Inoculant (1 oz) Improves Drought Tolerance + Saves Precious Water + Fertilizer, Root Stimulator • Explodes Root Growth [1 oz Treats 1,200 (4 inch) Plants]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/612xUwzKdnL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
