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Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi‐induced alteration to tree‐root architecture and longevity
Author(s) -
Hooker John E,
Atkinson David
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
zeitschrift für pflanzenernährung und bodenkunde
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.644
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1522-2624
pISSN - 0044-3263
DOI - 10.1002/jpln.1996.3581590302
Subject(s) - biology , colonisation , arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi , longevity , root system , symbiosis , botany , host (biology) , mycorrhizal fungi , plant physiology , arbuscular mycorrhizal , colonization , ecology , horticulture , inoculation , bacteria , genetics
Abstract Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form mutualistic associations with most terrestrial plants, including trees. They can confer many benefits and are known to induce widespread changes in host plant physiology. For many years it was considered that colonisation by AMF did not alter root architecture but significant alteration has now been demonstrated unequivocally for several plants, including trees with AMF colonised plants usually possessing a more highly branched root system. More recently, alteration to root system longevity has also been measured with AMF colonised root systems being shorter lived. Mechanisms by which these changes occur are not understood but effects are not entirely due to altered phosphorus nutrition and are likely to involve AMF interaction with plant cell cycles. Future research should concentrate on defining the extent of AMF alteration to root system development and the importance of AMF interactions with plant cell cycles in determining these changes.