Knowra Mycorrhiza Mycorrhiza A symbiotic association between a fungus and a plant root. The fungus receives plant-derived nutrients and often improves the plant’s access to water and minerals.
Arbuscular mycorrhiza : A mycorrhizal association in which fungi penetrate root cortical cells and form branched nutrient-exchange structures called arbuscules. Its arbuscules provide a distinct interface for transferring minerals from fungus to plant.
Glomeromycota : A fungal phylum containing most fungi that form arbuscular mycorrhizae. Most arbuscular partners belong to this fungal lineage.
Mycorrhizal inoculation : The deliberate introduction of mycorrhizal fungi to plants or soil to establish a fungal association. Inoculation is used to encourage partnerships in nurseries, farms, and restoration projects.
Rhizobium : A genus of bacteria that forms nitrogen-fixing nodules on the roots of legumes and some other plants. Unlike mycorrhizal fungi, these bacteria supply plants with fixed nitrogen through root nodules.
Ectomycorrhiza : A mycorrhizal association in which fungal hyphae surround root tips and grow between, but not inside, root cells. Its mantle and intercellular network show a contrasting architecture for root–fungus exchange.
Basidiomycota : A fungal phylum that includes mushrooms, rusts, smuts, and many ectomycorrhizal fungi. Many familiar ectomycorrhizal fungi, including numerous forest mushrooms, belong here.
Organic farming : An agricultural system that restricts synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and emphasizes ecological processes. Mycorrhizal fungi can contribute to nutrient acquisition in systems that limit soluble fertilizers.
Root nodule : A specialized root structure that houses nitrogen-fixing bacteria in certain plants. Nodules are visible root organs for bacterial symbiosis, unlike the hyphal interfaces of mycorrhiza.
Arbuscule : A finely branched fungal structure inside a root cortical cell where nutrients are exchanged with the plant. This specialized structure is the principal exchange interface in arbuscular mycorrhiza.
Ascomycota : A fungal phylum whose members produce sexual spores in saclike structures called asci. Several ascomycete fungi form mycorrhizal partnerships, including associations with orchids and trees.
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