mycorrhizas
Fungal root partners
Mycorrhizas are symbiotic associations between fungi and plant roots.
The fungal threads extend far into the soil, vastly increasing the plant's access to water and nutrients—especially phosphorus—in exchange for sugars from the plant.
Most land plants depend on mycorrhizal partnerships: The forest's trees share resources through an underground network of mycorrhizas.
Also spelled mycorrhizae.
Two-way biological benefit
- hyphaeFungal filamentous structures
- vesiclesSmall enclosed sacs
- symbiontsOrganisms in close association
- partnershipShared business arrangement
interdependence · colonization · inoculation · reciprocal · beneficial · cooperation · association · obligate
Spore-bearing fungal phylum
- ascomycotaSpore-sac fungal phylum
- trufflePrized subterranean edible
- amanitaFungal genus, often toxic
- boletusPore-bearing forest fungus
Decayed organic soil matter
- aggregationCombined collection of items
- decompositionBreakdown into simpler parts
- microbiomeBody's microbial community
- propagulesUnits enabling organism dispersal
Agent introducing microorganisms
- biofertilizerMicrobe-containing growth promoter
- drought-toleranceCapacity to endure aridity
- reforestationReplanting depleted woodlands
- nurseryRoom for infants
Vital substances needed minimally
- potassiumNineteenth element, symbol K
- zincElement thirty
- copperReddish-brown metallic element
- solubilizationMaking something dissolvable
mutualism
Two-way biological benefit
- hyphaeFungal filamentous structures
- vesiclesSmall enclosed sacs
- symbiontsOrganisms in close association
partnership · interdependence · colonization · inoculation · reciprocal · beneficial · cooperation · association · obligate · facultative
mycelium
Fungal filament network
- interconnectionMutual joining of parts
basidiomycota
Spore-bearing fungal phylum
- ascomycotaSpore-sac fungal phylum
- trufflePrized subterranean edible
- amanitaFungal genus, often toxic
humus
Decayed organic soil matter
- aggregationCombined collection of items
- decompositionBreakdown into simpler parts
- microbiomeBody's microbial community
inoculant
Agent introducing microorganisms
- biofertilizerMicrobe-containing growth promoter
- drought-toleranceCapacity to endure aridity
- reforestationReplanting depleted woodlands
micronutrients
Vital substances needed minimally
solubilization · bioavailability · deficiency · translocation · chelation
mycorrhizasparasitism
One benefits, one suffers
parasitic infections · antagonism · root rot · predation · exploitation