Mycorrhizal symbioses

Abstract

Mycorrhizal associations are symbiotic relationships that form between plant roots and fungi. Bi-directional movement of nutrients characterizes these symbioses where photosynthetic carbon flows to the fungus and inorganic nutrients from the soil move to the plant. Mycorrhizae occur on most plant species where they provide a critical linkage between the plant root and soil, and additionally serve to connect plant communities through belowground hyphal networks. In infertile soils, nutrients taken up by mycorrhizal fungi can lead to improved plant growth and reproduction. As a result, mycorrhizal plants are often more competitive and better able to tolerate environmental stresses than nonmycorrhizal plants.