ektomikorrhizák

Ektomykorrhizák is a Latin term referring to ectomycorrhizae, a symbiotic association between the roots of certain plants and a specific group of fungi. This mutually beneficial relationship is crucial for the survival and growth of many tree species, particularly in temperate and boreal forests. The fungi colonize the outer layers of the plant's root tips, forming a dense sheath called a mantle. They do not penetrate the plant cells directly but instead form a network of hyphae, known as the Hartig net, that extends into the spaces between root cells.

In this symbiosis, the fungus acts as an extension of the plant's root system. Its extensive hyphal network greatly increases the surface area available for nutrient and water absorption from the soil. The fungus is particularly efficient at acquiring phosphorus and nitrogen, which are often scarce in forest soils, and then transfers these essential nutrients to the plant. In return, the plant provides the fungus with carbohydrates produced during photosynthesis, which the fungus cannot produce itself.

Ectomycorrhizae are found in a wide range of plant families, including Fagaceae (oaks and beeches), Pinaceae (pines and firs), and Betulaceae (birches and alders). The specific fungal partners can vary greatly, with some fungi forming associations with a broad range of plant species, while others are more host-specific. The presence of ectomycorrhizae significantly impacts forest ecosystem health, influencing plant growth, competition, and resistance to environmental stresses such as drought and pathogen attack. They play a vital role in nutrient cycling and the overall functioning of forest ecosystems.