micorrhizával

Mycorrhiza is a symbiotic association between a fungus and the roots of a plant. The term mycorrhiza literally means "fungus root" in Greek. These beneficial relationships are widespread in nature, occurring in over 90% of terrestrial plant species. The fungus colonizes the root system of the host plant, either in a sheath external to the root cells (ectomycorrhiza) or penetrating the root cells (endomycorrhiza, also known as arbuscular mycorrhiza).

In this mutualistic exchange, the plant provides the fungus with carbohydrates, primarily sugars produced during photosynthesis. In return, the fungus significantly enhances the plant's ability to absorb water and mineral nutrients from the soil, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, which are often immobile or present in limited quantities. The extensive network of fungal hyphae, which are much finer than plant root hairs, increases the surface area for nutrient and water uptake. Mycorrhizal fungi can also protect plants from pathogens and improve soil structure. Different types of mycorrhizae exist, with arbuscular mycorrhizae being the most common, forming structures called arbuscules within the plant root cells. Ectomycorrhizae form a sheath around the root tips. This symbiotic relationship is crucial for the health and survival of many plant communities.