Ectomycorrhiza

A mutualistic association in which a fungus forms a sheath around a plant’s fine roots and grows between their outer cells, exchanging soil nutrients for plant-derived carbon.

Hartig net: A network of fungal hyphae growing between the outer cells of roots in ectomycorrhizal associations. It is the intercellular interface where fungal hyphae contact root cells.
Fine root: A small-diameter root involved chiefly in water and nutrient uptake. Ectomycorrhizal sheaths commonly form on these absorptive roots.
Forest ecology: The study of interactions among organisms and environmental processes in forests. Ectomycorrhizal networks affect nutrient cycling and tree interactions in forests.
Arbuscular mycorrhiza: A widespread mycorrhizal association in which fungi form branched arbuscules inside root cortical cells. Unlike ectomycorrhizal fungi, its characteristic exchange structures enter root cells.
Amanita muscaria: A poisonous mushroom that forms ectomycorrhizal associations with several tree genera. Its partnerships with trees such as birch and pine exemplify ectomycorrhizal host specificity.
Mantle (mycorrhiza): A sheath of fungal tissue surrounding a root tip in many ectomycorrhizal associations. This outer sheath is the defining fungal covering around fine roots.
Root epidermis: The outermost cell layer of a young root. The fungal sheath lies outside this layer, while hyphae grow between its cells.
Tree seedling establishment: The successful transition of a young tree from germination to independent growth. Ectomycorrhizal partners can aid seedling nutrition and survival in suitable soils.
Ericoid mycorrhiza: A mycorrhizal association between fungi and fine roots of many plants in the heath family. It involves coils within root cells rather than an external sheath and Hartig net.
Boletus edulis: An edible bolete mushroom that forms ectomycorrhizal associations with trees. This familiar mushroom produces fruiting bodies from a root-associated fungal partner.

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