arbuszkuláris

Arbuskuláris refers to a type of symbiotic relationship between certain fungi and the roots of plants. These fungi, known as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), colonize the root cells of approximately 80% of plant species. The relationship is mutualistic, meaning both the fungus and the plant benefit. The fungus extends its hyphae into the soil, increasing the surface area available for nutrient and water absorption for the plant. Specifically, AMF are particularly effective at acquiring phosphorus and other immobile nutrients from the soil and transferring them to the plant. In return, the plant provides the fungus with carbohydrates produced through photosynthesis.

The term "arbuscular" comes from the distinctive structures formed within the plant root cells. The fungal hyphae branch extensively, forming tree-like structures called arbuscules. These arbuscules are the primary sites of nutrient exchange between the fungus and the plant. AMF are obligate symbionts, meaning they cannot complete their life cycle without a host plant. They reproduce through the production of spores, which can remain dormant in the soil for extended periods until favorable conditions arise for infection. This symbiotic association plays a crucial role in plant health, soil structure, and overall ecosystem function, particularly in nutrient-poor environments.