Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plant Nutrition

he term “mycorrhiza” was coined by A. B.Frank, a scientist in Germany, more than 100 yearsago. It literally means fungus-root, and describes themutualistic association existing between a group of soilfungi and higher plants. The association is based onthe plant component providing carbohydrates and otheressential organic compounds to the fungi. In return, thefungal component, which colonizes both the root andthe adjacent soil, helps the plant take up nutrients byextending the reach of its root system.Although mycorrhizal associations were discoveredover 100 years ago, their role in plant productivity didnot receive the attention it should until the past 30 years.Today, hundreds of scientists all over the world areengaged in the study of mycorrhizal associations, andany discussion of plant productivity that does not in-clude mycorrhizal associations can hardly be consid-ered complete.