Mycorrhiza: Meaning and Types of Mycorrhiza (With Diagram) | Mycology

In this article we will discuss about (1) Meaning of Mycorrhiza (2) Types of Mycorrhiza

Mycorrhiza: Meaning and Types of Mycorrhiza (With Diagram)


(1) Meaning of Mycorrhiza

  • Mycorrhiza is the symbiotic relationship between roots of higher plants (Seed plant) and fungus.
  • Mycorrhiza is an example of symbiosis. Fungus obtain food and shelter from root and it helps to root in absorption of water & minerals.
  • Mycorrhiza name was given by "Frank" (1885).


(2) Types of Mycorrhiza

(a)  Ectomycorrhiza

  • In this type of mycorrhiza surface of root completely covered by pseudo parenchymatous sheath formed by fungal hyphae.
  • Fungal hyphae enter intercellulary in cortical cell of root.
  • Fungal hyphae which arises from pseudo parenchymatous sheath limited up to outer cortical cell and form a net called "Hartig net".
  • Ectomycorrhiza occurs in Pinus, Fagus, Abies, Oak, Eucalyptus etc.
  • Fungus mainly members of class basidiomycetes. eg. Clavatia, Amanita, etc.
  • Root hair are absent on root.
  • Fungus helpful in absorption of water and minerals.
  • Due to presence of fungus absorptive surface of root increses. In return fungus gets carbohydrates from the root.


Mycorrhiza: Meaning and Types of Mycorrhiza | Mycology

Note : Amanita is found in Pinus roots where as Russula is found in Fagus roots.

(b)  Endomycorrhiza :

  • In this type of mycorrhiza fungus does not form pseudo parenchymatous sheath.
  • Some fungal hyphae enter intracellularly in cortical cells of root. Intracellular fungal hyphae form unranched knob like structures called asvesicle, and form branched tree like structures  in cortical cells, called"arbuscule".
  • So the endomycorrhiza is called Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM).
  • VAM is useful for phosphate nutrition.
  • Endomycorrhiza occurs in orchids.
  • Endomycorrhizal fungi are mainly member of class "zygomycetes". Ex. Corticium, Rhizoctonia etc.
  • Mycorrhiza is an example of symbiosis. Fungus obtain food and shelter from root and it helps to root in absorption of water & minerals.


Note :-

1. Armillaria fungi mainly found in orchid's roots.  
2. (A) Ectomycorrhizal genera ® Hebeloma, Laccaria, Pisolithus

(B) Endomycorrhizal genera : Glomus, Gigaspora, Sclerocystis.

 3. Arbuscule acts as a haustorium.

4. Orchids are obligately dependent on mycorrhizal association for seed germination & further development.

5. Endomycorrhiza occur in about 80% of all vascular plants.

Example :
Indian pipe plant (Monotropa indica)
It belongs to family - Ericaceae

Mycorrhiza: Meaning and Types of Mycorrhiza | Mycology


Note : Ectendotrophic mycorrhiza : Mycorrhiza sharing characteristics of both ecto and endo mycorrhizae are called ectendotrophic mycorrhiza.
Mycorrhiza: Meaning and Types of Mycorrhiza (With Diagram) | Mycology Mycorrhiza: Meaning and Types of Mycorrhiza (With Diagram) | Mycology Reviewed by Rajkumar on October 31, 2017 Rating: 5

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