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FUNCTIONING OF VESICULAR–ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAS UNDER FIELD CONDITIONS
Author(s) -
FITTER A. H.
Publication year - 1985
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 - 10.1111/j.1469-8137.1985.tb03654.x
Subject(s) - hypha , arbuscular mycorrhizal , mycorrhiza , biology , botany , phosphorus , symbiosis , chemistry , bacteria , genetics , organic chemistry
S ummary Although VA mycorrhizas are easily demonstrated as mutualistic associations in pot culture, on the basis of reciprocal exchange of carbon and (mainly) phosphorus, unequivocal field demonstrations are less numerous. This may be due to incompetence of widely occurring fungal types, to inter‐plant connections by hyphae, which dissipate the benefit, to grazing of external hyphae, or to problems associated with root longevity. The action of mycorrhizal roots in improving plant water relations and promoting phosphate uptake under field conditions is considered in the light of these constraints. It is suggested that much greater effort is required in the investigation of mycorrhizal associations in the field.