Mycorrhizae
Introduction
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Mycorrhizae can be described as a [symbiotic] relationship between a [fungus] and a plant (1). Due to the fact that this is a symbiotic relationship, both the fungus and the plant benefit from this interaction. Since the plants are aboveground, it is often easier to see the benefits of this association for the plant, but the fungus also takes advantage of this partnership. The mycorrhizae aid the plant with growth, yield, improved fitness, increase the root absorption area of nutrients, while the fungus receives carbon from the associated plant (1). This is an important interaction due to the benefits that the plants receive. Improved plant growth and yield can aid in the production of crops and therefore produce more plants per area. Although mycorrhizae produce the same overall effects, there are two main types of this fungus. Arbuscular mycorrhizae and ectomycorrhizae are the two main types of mycorrhizae that produce the same overall results, but with different fungal characteristics(2, ecology of mycorrhizae). Below, more will be explained about the interaction between the fungus and plant, the niches that they are able to occupy, descriptions of the types of mycorrhizae, and the microbial processes that occur.
Biological interaction
As stated above, mycorrhizae create a symbiotic relationship between a plant and a fungus where both organisms benefit from the interaction. Although both the plant and fungi benefit from the partnership, they benefit in different ways.
Benefits for Plants
-Mycorrhizae are able to create a vast connection between the roots of a plant and with the soil around them, which allows for the fungus to uptake nutrients such as [nitrogen] and phosphorus for the plant and increase the surface area of the roots (1). With this increased surface area, it is obvious that the plant will have many benefits. This increase in area within the soil will increase the availability of nutrients and water for the plants consumption. Since nutrients and water are needed in order for plant growth, this mycorrhizal interaction can lead to an increase in the growth of the plant.
This increase in nutrient availability for the plant leads to even more advantages. A plant with a mycorrhizae interaction will be able to increase its nutrient and water uptake, while a plant without this partnership will just have to rely on its roots for the uptake of materials. If a plant with this symbiosis is in an area with plants who do not have a mycorrhizae partnership, the fungi and plant partnership can give the plant the ability to out compete other plants. Overall, this means that mycorrhizae interactions can lead to changes in the plant composition of an area.
Benefits for the [Fungi]
-Since this is a symbiotic relationship, the fungus benefits from the partnership as well. While aiding plants in the uptake of nutrients and water, the plants will give ten to twenty percent of the carbon they obtain from photosynthesis to the fungus (2). Overall, this is a small price for the plant to pay given that the fungus is providing nutrients and water that will allow it to prosper in its given environment.
[Niche]
-Overall, the relationship between plants and mycorrhizal fungi depend mainly on the availability of [nitrogen], [phosphorus], [carbon], and [water] (2). Since areas within the environment vary in their amount of nutrients and water availability, this can have a major effect on whether or not a mycorrhizal relationship can form between a plant and the fungus.
Environment suitable for mycorrhizae
With this said, if an environment's soil does not contain much nitrogen and phosphorus, it is likely that a mycorrhizal relationship will occur and a plant is more likely to allocate its carbon to the roots (3). This is because the plant needs nitrogen and phosphorus in order to prosper. This can also be true in areas where water is not easily accessible. As noted earlier, mycorrhizae expand the surface area of roots and therefore aid in the uptake of water. If an environment is lacking in moisture available to plants, it is likely that a mycorrhizal symbiosis will occur to aid in the uptake of water.
Environment not suitable for mycorrhizae
On the other hand, if an area contains large amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, or water, it is not likely that a plant will allocate its carbon to its roots and therefore it is not likely that a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizae will occur (3). This is because the benefit to the fungus would be greater than that for the plant. Since the plant already has enough availability to nutrients and water, there would be no reason for them to give up their carbon for this relationship.
Microbial processes
What microbial processes define this environment? Describe microbial processes that are important in this habitat, adding sections/subsections as needed. Look at other topics in MicrobeWiki. Are some of these processes already described? Create links where relevant.
Subsection 1
Subsection 1a
Subsection 1b
Subsection 2
Key Microorganisms
What specific kinds of microbes are typically involved in this interaction? Or associated with important processes? Describe key groups (genera, species) of microbes that we find in this environment, and any special adaptations they may have evolved to survive in this environment. List examples of specific microbes that represent key groups or are associated with important processes found in this environment. Add sections/subsections as needed. Look at other microbe listings in MicrobeWiki. Are some of the groups of microbes from your environment already described? Create links to other MicrobeWiki pages where possible.
Subsection 1
Subsection 1a
Subsection 1b
Subsection 2
Microbial processes
What microbial processes are important for this microbial interaction? Does this microbial interaction have some ecosystem-level effects? Does this interaction affect the environment in any way? Describe critical microbial processes or activities that are important in this interaction, adding sections/subsections as needed. Look at other topics in MicrobeWiki. Are some of these processes already described? Create links where relevant.
Current Research
Enter summaries of recent research here--at least three required
References
Allen, M, et al. "Ecology of Mycorrhizae: A Conceptual Framework for Complex Interactions Among Plants and Fungi." Phytopathology 41 (Sept. 2003):
271-300. Annual Reviews. Web. 28 March 2011. <http://www.annualreviews.org/doi/full/10.1146/annurev.phyto.41.052002.095518>.
Kleczewski, Nathan M, et al. Tree Physiology, July 2010, Vol. 30 Issue 7, 807-817.
Sylvia, David, et al. Principles and Applications of Soil Microbiology. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson, 2005.
Edited by Lisa Reger, a student of Angela Kent at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
