Jesus Ramon Alavarez Diaz’s Post

Contrasting Endomycorrhizal and Ectomycorrhizal Fungi in Agriculture Contrasting Endomycorrhizal and Ectomycorrhizal Fungi. Although both endomycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic associations with plants, they differ significantly in their ecological and physiological characteristics. Internal vs. External Colonization. Endomycorrhizal fungi colonize the root cells, forming arbuscules within the cortical tissue. In contrast, ectomycorrhizal fungi develop a sheath-like structure called the Hartig net around the root surface, extending their hyphae into the soil without penetrating the root cells. This fundamental difference in colonization strategies impacts their respective nutrient acquisition mechanisms and ecological interactions. Endomycorrhizal fungi deliver nutrients directly into the plant’s root system. Ectomycorrhizal fungi transport nutrients and put it in direct contact with the plant’s roots through the Hartig net for easier absorption. #fungiinagriculture https://lnkd.in/gKdz7QAQ

Mycorrhiza (plural: mycorrhizae) is a symbiotic association between certain fungi and the roots of plants. This mutually beneficial relationship is crucial for both the fungi and the plants involved. There are several types of mycorrhizae, but the two most common are: Ectomycorrhizae: In ectomycorrhizal associations, the fungal hyphae surround the plant roots, forming a protective sheath called a "mantle." They also extend into the root cells but do not penetrate the cells. This type of mycorrhiza is typically found in many tree species, such as pines and oaks. Endomycorrhizae (also known as arbuscular mycorrhizae or AM): Endomycorrhizal fungi penetrate the plant root cells, forming highly branched structures called "arbuscules." This allows for a more intimate exchange of nutrients between the fungus and the plant. Most herbaceous plants, many crops, and some trees form endomycorrhizal associations. The benefits of mycorrhizal associations for plants include: Enhanced nutrient uptake: Mycorrhizal fungi extend the root's reach for water and nutrients, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, improving the plant's ability to absorb these essential elements. Increased tolerance to environmental stress: Mycorrhizae can help plants cope with adverse conditions like drought, salinity, and soil pollutants. Disease resistance: Some mycorrhizal fungi can protect plants from pathogenic soil microorganisms. In return, the fungi receive carbohydrates and other organic compounds produced by the plant through photosynthesis. This exchange of resources is a classic example of mutualism, where both the plant and the fungus benefit. Mycorrhizae play a significant role in the ecology of terrestrial ecosystems, as they contribute to plant growth, nutrient cycling, and soil structure. They are of particular interest in agriculture and horticulture because they can improve crop yields and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.

THE CONTINUAL EVOLUTION OF SOIL FUNGI There are fungi all around us, but I will zero in on those in the soil. Fungi were around long before plants; as plants slowly moved onto land from water, fungi were pivotal in creating the landscape of plants we know today. They are essential to our environment and ourselves. WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT FUNGI? Fungi are picky about their environment. Most #Fungi are healthiest when the pH is low, and the soil is slightly acidic. Most plants also thrive in the same pH level of 6-7 as fungi. Crop health is greatly enhanced when #ArbuscularMycorrhizalFungi (AMF) partner with plants in symbiotic relationships. Fungi send out thread-like strands, called hyphae, in search of food. Because, like all organisms, they're always looking for nourishment. Fungi don't have teeth, or mouths, or any way to directly "eat" potential food sources. But fungi can send hyphae into a food source and secrete chemicals that break down that food into simple molecules. Fungal hyphae literally absorb the nutrients in liquid form into their cells. And fungi share their nutrient bounty with plants! Of course, this isn't a one-way street. Fungi creating symbiotic relationships with plants receive amino acids, sugars, and carbon from their partners. A fungus sends out multiple hyphae. These, in mass, are called the mycelium. This mass of hyphae can be easily seen when you turn over a rotting log in the woods. It's also evident in a pile of leaves, breaking down the cellulose and releasing nutrients. BENEFICIAL AND PATHOGENIC FUNGI In nature, most plants are resistant to pathogens. The symbiotic relationships between plants and beneficial fungi dominate. Plants continually evolve defense mechanisms against invading organisms, but human intervention short-circuits those defenses. #PathogenicFungi dominate when the plant and fungi have not evolved together. For example, hybrid field corn has no fungal counterpart. That characteristic of hybridization allows pathogens access to above and below-ground plant surfaces, causing disease. Beneficial fungi can overcome pathogens. Plants send food to those beneficial fungi that bring them nutrients. Beneficials become more robust in the long term. ARE WE FARMING FOR THE LONG TERM? Cultivation destroys fungi that supply plants with nutrients and water. Tilling cuts the hyphae off from the main fungal body, decreasing the nutrients a plant can access. Fungicides, for short-term pathogen control, also destroy beneficial fungi. Fungi are picky about their environment. Most #fungi are healthiest when the pH is low and the soil is slightly acidic. Most plants also thrive in the same pH level of 6-7 as fungi. Crop health is greatly enhanced when arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) partner with plants in symbiotic relationships. Are you farming only for short-term gains? Or are you in this for the long haul? Contact STBiologicals.com. Let's talk about your farm.