Language
Country/Area
No result found
Plants' secret best friend: How do mycorrhizae alter plant nutrient absorption?
In nature, the relationship between plants and fungi is intricate, especially when it comes to mycorrhizae. Mycorrhiza is a symbiotic relationship between plant roots and fungi. It not only affects the growth and development of plants, but also has a profound impact on soil biology and soil chemistry. This symbiotic relationship exists in 80% to 90% of plant species, and is especially important for plants growing in poor soil.
Definition and importance of mycorrhizae
Mycorrhiza literally means "fungi of the roots." When fungi form mycorrhizae with plant roots, the fungi penetrate deeply into the root tissue of the plant and exchange substances with the plant. In this mutualistic relationship, the plant produces organic molecules (such as sugars) through photosynthesis to supply to the fungus, and the fungus uses its tiny hyphae to draw water and minerals, such as phosphorus, from the soil and transfer them to plant.
Mycorrhizae play an integral role in surface ecosystems, helping plants absorb nutrients from the soil more efficiently.
Mycorrhizae in the process of evolution
Based on fossil and genetic evidence, the origins of mycorrhizae date back to the early days when plants began to colonize land. This history stretches back more than 400 million years, when the presence of fungi appears to have provided critical support for plants' terrestrial adaptations. Mycorrhizal plants have evolved a set of adaptive mechanisms to enhance their ability to explore the soil, allowing them to survive in resource-poor environments.
Diversity of mycorrhizal types
There are many types of mycorrhiza, which can be mainly divided into two categories: ectomycorrhiza and endomycorrhiza. These mycorrhizal types are distinguished based on how the fungus interacts with plant cells. Ectomycorrhizal hyphae do not enter plant cells, while endomycorrhizal hyphae enter plant cells to form branching structures to increase the surface area for nutrient transfer.
The growth of most plants depends on the health of mycorrhizae, which have a profound impact on nutrient uptake and soil health.
How mycorrhizae promote plant nutrient absorption
The presence of mycorrhizae improves many aspects of the process of plant roots absorbing nutrients from the soil. First, the fungus' hyphal network can reach areas of the soil that are inaccessible to plant roots, thereby increasing the surface area available for absorption. In addition, fungi secrete organic acids that can dissolve many difficult-to-use minerals in the soil, making them more absorbable by plants.
Mycorrhizae show great advantages in nutrient-poor soils, as they can significantly increase plant growth rates.
The relationship between mycorrhizae and plant health
Mycorrhizae not only help plants obtain nutrients, but also improve their ability to withstand stress. Many studies have shown that plants with mycorrhizae are significantly better than plants without mycorrhizae in the face of drought, salt damage, or pests and diseases. In this way, mycorrhizae increase plants' adaptability and chances of survival in the ecosystem.
Future Impact and Sustainable Development
As global agriculture continues to face challenges, the research and application of mycorrhizae may become part of sustainable agricultural development. By promoting symbiotic relationships between plants and these microorganisms, agriculture can hope to achieve more efficient nutrient use, reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and reduce environmental impact.
Nowadays, as ecological awareness increases, it is increasingly urgent to understand and explore the functions of mycorrhizae and their importance to plant growth. By understanding the depth of this delicate relationship, can we better harness the wisdom of nature to promote sustainable development and biodiversity conservation?
