Mycorrhizae

Friends,

I am writing from memory right now, which is increasingly dangerous, as the passage of time has made me a little less confident in my knowledge base.  Nonetheless, here is what I recall: First, the term mycorrhizae literally translates as “fungus roots.”  In general, mycorrhizae are important to vascular plants, plants having xylem (water and mineral transport) and phloem (sugar transport, etc.), by enhancing the acquisition of minerals needed for normal plant growth and function.  Second, there are two types of mycorrhizae: ectomycorrhizae and endomycorrhizae.  Ectomycorrhizae are characterized by the fungus growing on the surface of very small roots, including root hairs, whereas endomycorrhizae are found growing within the cells of very small roots and root hairs.  Third, in general vascular plants having mycorrhizae grow better than vascular plants lacking mycorrhizae.  This is not surprising as the presence of mycorrhizae on/in very small roots, etc enhances mineral acquisition.  Daffodils do have mycorrhizae.

Ted

1 comment for “Mycorrhizae

  1. To all,

    First of all, let me say that I know almost nothing about mycorrhizal relationships with plant roots. But, my dealings with fungi in general have taught me that most fungi, be they friend or foe, are usually quite specific in the hosts they inhabit. That leads me to ask whether there are different types/species/strains of micorrhizae needed, or if certain fungi will inhabit just about any root system.

    Digging in 95 degree heat, but only in the mornings,

    David Burdick

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