Mycorrhizas: A context for species siting and management?

Mycorrhizal associations are characterised by their morphology (Allen 1991, Brundrett et al. 1996, Marschener 1995). Several different types of mycorrhizas have been recognised but only two are important in New Zealand tree species, namely ectomycorrhizas (EM) and arbuscular mycorrhizas (AM). EM are characterized by the presence of a mantle of fungal hyphae1 around the root surface, and hyphae that penetrate the spaces around root cortical cells, the Hartig net, which is the main site for nutrient exchange. In AM, the fungal hyphae penetrate host plant cells and develop structures called arbuscles and vesicles within the root cortical cells. Arbuscles are the main sites of nutrient exchange while vesicles (not present in all AM) are storage organs. Many EM fungi produce conspicuous fruiting bodies, some of which are well known (eg Amanita, Boletus), or are truffle-like and fruit beneath the soil surface (eg Rhizopogon). In contrast AM fungi produce inconspicuous fruiting bodies.

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