Summary
In the past function of mycorrhizas has been examined at the level either of the isolated individual root or of the individual entire plant. It is shown here that ectomycorrhizal mycelial strands can extend from plant to plant, thus initiating infection in seedlings, and that the resulting fungal interconnections provide functional pathways for the transfer of labelled assimilate between individuals. Mycelial strands also provide a pathway for the transport of physiologically significant quantities of water. Strand functions are examined in relation to structure, and their role as morphological and physiological extensions of the root system is emphasized. The significance of the experimental observations is discussed in relation to nutrient cycling processes in natural ecosystems.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Chiariello N, Hickman J C, Moony H A 1982 Endomycorrhizal role for interspecific transfer of phosphorus in a community of annual plants. Science 217, 941–943.
Duddridge J, Malibari A, Read D J 1980 Structure and function of mycelial rhizomorphs with special reference to their role in water transport. Nature London 287, 834–836.
Falck R 1912 Die Merulius-Fäule des Bauholzes. Hausschwammforschungen 6, 1–405.
Harley J L 1975 Problems of Mycotrophy. In Endomycorrhizas. Eds. F E Sanders, B Mosse, P Tinker. Academic Press, London.
Kramer P J, Bullock H C 1966 Seasonal variations in the proportions of suberized and unsuberized roots of trees in relation to the absorption of water. Am. J. Bot. 53, 200–204.
Mosse, B 1975 Specificity in VA mycorrhizas. In Endomycorrhizas. Eds. F E Sanders, B Mosse, P Tinker. Academic Press London.
Newman E I 1969 Resistance to water flow in soil and plant. I Soil resistance in relation to amounts of root: theoretical estimates. J. Appl. Ecol. 6, 1–12.
Pearson V, Read D J 1973 The biology of mycorrhiza in the Ericaceae. I. The isolation of the endophyte and synthesis of mycorrhizas in aseptic cultures. New Phytol. 72, 371–379.
Reid C P P, Woods F W 1969 Translocation of C14-labelled compounds in mycorrhizal and its implications in interplant nutrient cycling. Ecology 50, 179–187.
Sands R, Fiscus E L, Reid C P P 1982 Hydraulic properties of pine and bean roots with varying degrees of suberization, vascular differentiation, and mycorrhizal infection. Aust. J. Plant Physiol. (In press).
Trappe J 1962 Fungus associates of ectotrophic mycorrhizas. Bot. Rev. 28, 538.
Whittingham J, Read D J 1982 Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza in natural vegetation systems. III. Nutrient transfer between plants with mycorrhizal interconnections. New Phytol. 90, 277–284.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1983 Martinus Nijhoff/Dr W. Junk Publishers, The Hague
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Brownlee, C., Duddridge, J.A., Malibari, A., Read, D.J. (1983). The structure and function of mycelial systems of ectomycorrhizal roots with special reference to their role in forming inter-plant connections and providing pathways for assimilate and water transport. In: Atkinson, D., Bhat, K.K.S., Coutts, M.P., Mason, P.A., Read, D.J. (eds) Tree Root Systems and Their Mycorrhizas. Developments in Plant and Soil Sciences, vol 7. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-6833-2_49
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-6833-2_49
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-94-009-6835-6
Online ISBN: 978-94-009-6833-2
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive