mykorihizan

Mykorhizan is a term that describes the symbiotic association between a fungus and the roots of a vascular plant. This relationship is mutually beneficial, with the fungus receiving carbohydrates produced by the plant through photosynthesis, and the plant receiving essential nutrients and water absorbed by the fungal hyphae from the soil.

There are two main types of mykorhizan: ectomycorrhizae and endomycorrhizae. Ectomycorrhizae form a sheath around the root tips, and their hyphae penetrate the spaces between the root cells. Endomycorrhizae, also known as arbuscular mycorrhizae, penetrate the root cells themselves, forming specialized structures called arbuscules and vesicles within the cells.

This symbiotic relationship plays a crucial role in plant health and ecosystem function. Mykorhizan fungi can significantly enhance a plant's ability to absorb phosphorus, nitrogen, and other essential nutrients, particularly in soils with low nutrient availability. They also improve water uptake, making plants more resistant to drought stress. Furthermore, mykorhizan fungi can protect plants from root pathogens and help to improve soil structure.

The prevalence of mykorhizan associations is widespread, occurring in approximately 90% of terrestrial plant species. This makes mykorhizan a fundamental ecological interaction that underpins the productivity and diversity of many terrestrial ecosystems. Understanding mykorhizan is vital for sustainable agriculture, forestry, and ecological restoration efforts.