WHAT ARE MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI?

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.Mycorrhiza fungi are a naturally occurring soil borne fungus that can have a highly beneficial symbiotic relationship with a host plant. In fact the word ‘mycorrhiza’ itself is made up of two Greek words meaning ‘fungus’ and ‘root’. This ‘symbiotic’ relationship is one in which both host plant and fungus receive some benefit.

These mycorrhizal fungi –as with all fungus - are unable to photosynthesise or metabolise its own carbon so instead, it harvests carbohydrates which have been manufactured by the host plant - removing them through the host plants root system. In exchange, the host plant benefits from the extensive mycelium (fungal root) structure which is created by the mycorrhiza fungi and is attached directly to its own root system. From this mycelium structure the host plant is able to not only extend its reach by proxy; it will also receive essential nutrients and a greater availability of vital water. In effect the mycelium structure acts as an extensive secondary root system, not only promoting healthy and sustainable growth for the host plant but also enabling it to withstand the stress of drought and prevent some of the soil-borne fungal pathogens such as Phytopthora sp.and Armillaria sp. entering the roots.

Although the use of mycorrhizal fungi has been a relative newcomer to modern horticultural practice, examination of fossilised plants and studies of specific DNA sequences have shown that this symbiotic relationship has been in existence for over 400 million years.

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Images care of http://www.saveourskills.com/episode-10-years-goals-mycorrhizae-fungi and http://www.buckingham-nurseries.co.uk/acatalog/Index_RootGrow.html