Mycorrhizae: The Most Helpful Fungus Around!

Mycorrhizae is a beneficial fungus that creates a symbiotic (or mutually beneficial) relationship with the root systems of plants. So how does it work? Mycorrhizae colonizes in the root zone of the plant. From there, the mycorrhizae will form what is referred to as “mycelium”. The mycelium is essentially a colonization of long, white, fibrous filaments that function as a secondary, extended root system for the plant. The mycelium grows outwards in all directions, increasing the overall surface area of the root zone. Essentially, the mycorrhizae acts as an extension of the root system and aides in the absorption of water and nutrient. especially during times of high environmental stress; such as droughts. The beauty of mycorrhizae is that it's a naturally occurring fungus that is essentially an insurance package for your plants! 

Left: Soil containing mycorrhizae- The web-like appearance seen is mycelium. Vs. Right: Soil that does not contain mycorrhizae.

Believe it or not, but certain crops require certain types of Mycorrhizae. Studies have found that certain crops are better at utilizing one kind of mycorrhizae over another. By choosing the correct type of mycorrhizae, your crop will be able to utilize the mycorrhizae to the best of its ability, ultimately creating stronger, beneficial relationships with one type of mycorrhizae versus another. There are various types of Mycorrhizae but I would like to discuss the two most common types; Endomycorrhizal (Endo) and Ectomycorrhizal (Ecto). The Endomycorrhizae and the Ectomycorrhizae have the same basic functionality, but differ in two major ways. The first way in which they differ is based on what crops they are compatible with. The second way in which the Endomycorhizzae and Ectomycorrhizae differ is in how they interact with crop's root systems. 

The Endomycorrhizae is the most commonly used type of mycorrhizae. This is because endomycorrhizae forms relationships with approximately 90% of plant species. Endomycorrhizae works by “penetrating into the root cortex and forming nutrient exchange structures within the root cells”.  Endomycorrhizae is commonly used for most leafy and/or fruiting bodies. 

Endomycorrhizae

In comparison, the Ectomycorrhizae forms relationships with approximately 10% of plant species, mainly hardwoods and conifers. Ectomycorrhizae differs quite drastically in its relationship to the root system, meaning it “does not penetrate into the root cell walls, but forms a sheath around the root”. Although the structuring of the mycorrhizae differs, the functionality is still there! 

Ectomycorrhizae

No matter what crop you grow, there is a mycorrhizae out there for you! This fungus is not only interesting, but it is hard working! Due to the nature of the symbiotic (mutually beneficial) relationship it forms with plants, the mycorrhizae cannot live unless your plant lives; in other words, it is the mycorrhizae’s job to keep your plant alive, so in turn, the mycorrhizae can survive. Whether your plant is facing environmental stress such as drought or nutritional stress, such as increased salt levels, mycorhizzae will work to protect not only your plant, but your livelihood as a grower! I encourage you to research more about mycorrhizae and further educate yourself on just how cool this fungus really is!

- Alexis

Picture Sources:

VanSomeren, Lindsay. “How Do Mycorrhizae Work? Explained Simply.” Untamed Science, July 2016, untamedscience.com/biology/ecology/mycorrhizae/.

“WHAT ARE MYCORRHIZAE?” All about Mycorrhizae, Its Benefits, Application and Research and Development, www.mykepro.com/mycorrhizae-benefits-application-and-research.aspx.