The term “mycer” is a common misspelling for mycorrhiza, which describes a widespread beneficial partnership in nature. Mycorrhiza is a symbiotic association between a fungus and the roots of a plant, found in an estimated 80% to 90% of all plant species globally. These connections are fundamental to the health and survival of numerous ecosystems.
The Symbiotic Connection
The mycorrhizal relationship involves a reciprocal exchange of resources. Fungi extend their hyphae, thread-like structures, far into the soil, acting as extensions of the plant’s root system. This extensive fungal network significantly increases the surface area for the plant to absorb water and immobile nutrients like phosphorus, nitrogen, zinc, and copper.
In return, the plant provides the fungus with carbohydrates, primarily sugars, produced during photosynthesis. Fungi, unable to perform photosynthesis, rely entirely on the plant for their carbon supply. This exchange occurs at a specialized interface within the root, where fungal structures facilitate nutrient transfer.
Ecological Significance
Beyond individual plant benefits, mycorrhizae play a significant role in broader ecological processes. They are instrumental in nutrient cycling within ecosystems, ensuring the movement of phosphorus, nitrogen, and other minerals in the soil. These fungal networks also contribute to improved soil structure by aggregating soil particles, which enhances water retention and reduces erosion.
Mycorrhizal associations enhance a plant’s resilience to various environmental stresses, including drought and disease. They can form vast underground networks that connect multiple plants, allowing for communication and resource sharing. This interconnectedness contributes to overall ecosystem stability and biodiversity.
Common Varieties
Mycorrhizal associations are categorized into two types based on their interaction with plant roots. Arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) are the most common, associating with approximately 80% of plant families, including most agricultural crops, vegetables, and grasses. In AM associations, fungal hyphae penetrate the cortical cells within the plant root to form tree-like structures called arbuscules, where nutrient exchange occurs.
Ectomycorrhizae (ECM) form a dense sheath, known as a mantle, around the outside of plant root tips. From this mantle, hyphae extend into the spaces between the root’s cortical cells, forming a network called the Hartig net, but do not penetrate the cell walls. ECM associations are common with many woody plants, such as oak, pine, birch, and eucalyptus trees.