mycorrhiza

Mycorrhiza:A mycorrhiza (from Greek μύκης, mykes, “fungus” and ῥίζα, rhiza, “root”; plural: mycorrhizae or mycorrhizas) is a symbiotic (generally mutualistic) association between a fungus and the roots of a vascular plant. The term mycorrhiza refers to the beneficial relationship between the fungus and the plant root system in which both parties benefit from each other. In this symbiotic relationship, the fungus provides the plant with water and nutrients from the soil while the plant provides the fungus with carbohydrates produced through photosynthesis. This beneficial relationship is essential for the survival of many plants, especially in nutrient-poor soils.There are two main types of mycorrhizal associations: ectomycorrhizal and endomycorrhizal. Ectomycorrhizal fungi form a sheath around the plant root system, while endomycorrhizal fungi penetrate into the plant cells themselves. Each type of association has different benefits for the plant; ectomycorrhizal fungi help protect roots from pathogens and improve water uptake, while endomycorrhizal fungi help increase nutrient uptake. Many plants form both types of associations simultaneously in order to maximize their chances of survival.