MYCORRHIZAS OF THE LILIIFLORAE I. MORPHOGENESIS OF ENDYMION NON‐SCRIPTUS (L.) GARCKE AND ITS MYCORRHIZAS IN NATURE

Abstract

Bluebell [Endymion non‐scriptus (L.) Garcke] annually produces a new root system that becomes mycorrhizal very quickly after the roots emerge from the bulb. Morphogenesis of the mycorrhizas is rapid during the autumn and cold winter periods whilst the host is subterranean. Infection is restricted to roots free in the soil and never extends to the root tissues enclosed within the bulb. Environmental conditions alter the rates of host and mycorrhizal development. On the basis of spore and mycelial characters, five species of endophytes were identified. The importance of mycorrhizas to the bluebell and other members of the Liliiflorae is discussed. Copyright © 1980, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved