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Interdependence of phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium and magnesium translocation by the ectomycorrhizal fungus Paxillus involutus
Author(s) -
Jentschke Georg,
Brandes Bettina,
Kuhn Arnd J.,
Schröder Walter H.,
Godbold Douglas L.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1046/j.1469-8137.2001.00014.x
Subject(s) - paxillus involutus , hypha , ectomycorrhiza , mycelium , biology , mycorrhiza , chromosomal translocation , botany , ectomycorrhizae , phosphorus , potassium , nutrient , chemistry , symbiosis , ecology , biochemistry , genetics , organic chemistry , bacteria , gene
• Translocation is shown of phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium and magnesium to a P‐deficient host from ectomycorrhizal fungal hyphae. • Mycorrhizal (with Paxillus involutus ) and nonmycorrhizal P‐deficient spruce ( P. abies ) seedlings were grown in a two‐compartment sand‐culture system. Hyphal translocation of nutrients from the inner compartment (penetrated only by hyphae) to the host was measured using mass balance (for N, P and K) or stable isotope ( 15 N and 25 Mg) methods. • Addition of P to the hyphal compartment strongly stimulated hyphal growth, and this also increased both seedling P status and growth. Hyphae translocated nonlimiting elements in addition to P, contributing 52, 17, 5 and 3–4%, respectively, to total P, N, K or Mg plant uptake. The potential role of the ectomycorrhizal mycelium in K acquisition was demonstrated. Translocation to mycorrhizal seedings of N, K and Mg was strongly reduced when hyphal P‐fluxes ceased; this translocation of nonlimiting nutrients depended on simultaneous translocation of P. • The ectomycorrhizal mycelium has an active role in P acquisition from sources not available to roots. Nutrient fluxes within fungal hyphae are interdependent and strong coupling of N, K and Mg fluxes with long‐distance P translocation in the mycorrhizal mycelium occurs.