mycorrhizal powder - GARDEN
Origins in fungi In fungi, mycorrhizal symbiosis had multiple independent origins among different lineages of fungi. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi form their own monophyletic phylum, whereas other mycorrhizal fungi convergently evolved similar lifestyles. Mycorrhizal fungi colonize plant roots and extend their thread-like hyphae into the surrounding soil, increasing the effective surface area for resource uptake.
Understanding the Context
This growth forms an extensive mycelial network that explores soil volumes far beyond the reach of the plant's root system. Mycorrhizal fungi are a diverse group of fungi that establish symbiotic associations with plant roots, a partnership dating back over 400 million years. The term “mycorrhiza” originates from Greek words meaning “fungus” and “root.” The structure of mycorrhizae varies depending on the type of mycorrhizal association. We will briefly discuss the structures associated with the two main types: Ectomycorrhizae (ECM) and Endomycorrhizae (Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi - AMF).
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Key Insights
Mycorrhizal fungi provide plants with a range of benefits, including mineral nutrients and protection from stress and pathogens. Here we synthesize current information about how the presence and type of mycorrhizal association affect plant communities. Mycorrhizae are present in 92% of plant families (80% of species). Plants allow, and indeed require, mycorrhizal fungi to colonize their roots. In this symbiotic relationship, fungal hyphae greatly expand the ability of plants to obtain nutrients and water.