Mushrooms. Mycorrhizal mushrooms Fungi form mycorrhizal
In order to more clearly imagine what mycorrhiza of tree roots looks like externally, it is necessary to compare the appearance of root endings with mycorrhiza with the appearance of roots without it. The roots of Euonymus warty, for example, devoid of mycorrhiza, are sparsely branched and are the same throughout, in contrast to the roots of species that form mycorrhiza, in which the sucking mycorrhizal endings differ from the growth endings that are not mycorrhizal. Mycorrhizal sucking endings either swell club-shaped at the tip in oak, or form very characteristic “forks” and complex complexes of them, reminiscent of corals, in pine, or have the shape of a brush in spruce. In all these cases, the surface of the sucking endings greatly increases under the influence of the fungus. By making a thin section through the mycorrhizal root ending, one can be convinced that the anatomical picture can be even more diverse, i.e., the cover of fungal hyphae entwining the root ending can be different thicknesses and coloring, to be smooth or fluffy, consisting of hyphae so tightly intertwined that it gives the impression of real tissue or, conversely, to be loose.
It happens that the cover consists not of one layer, but of two, differing in color or structure. The so-called Hartig network can also be expressed to varying degrees, i.e. hyphae running along the intercellular spaces and collectively forming something like a network. IN different cases this network may extend to more or fewer layers of root parenchyma cells. The hyphae of the fungus partially penetrate into the cells of the bark parenchyma, which is especially pronounced in the case of mycorrhiza of aspen and birch, and are partially digested there. But no matter how peculiar the picture is internal structure mycorrhizal roots, in all cases it is clear that the fungal hyphae do not penetrate at all into the central cylinder of the root and into the meristem, i.e., into the zone of the root end where root growth occurs due to increased cell division. All such mycorrhizae are called ectoendotrophic, since they have both a surface sheath with hyphae extending from it, and hyphae extending inside the root tissue.
Not all tree species have the types of mycorrhiza described above. In maple, for example, the mycorrhiza is different, that is, the fungus does not form an outer sheath, but in the parenchyma cells you can see not individual hyphae, but entire balls of hyphae, often filling the entire space of the cell. This mycorrhiza is called endotrophic (from the Greek “endos” - inside, and “trophe” - nutrition) and is especially characteristic of orchids. The appearance of mycorrhizal endings (shape, branching, depth of penetration) is determined by the type of tree, and the structure and surface of the sheath depend on the type of fungus that forms the mycorrhiza, and, as it turned out, mycorrhiza can simultaneously form not one, but two fungi.
What mushrooms form mycorrhiza and with what species? Resolving this issue was not easy. IN different time were proposed for this different methods, up to carefully tracing the course of fungal hyphae in the soil from the base of the fruiting body to the root end. The most effective method It turned out that a certain type of fungus was sown under sterile conditions in the soil on which a seedling of a certain tree species was grown, i.e., when mycorrhiza was synthesized under experimental conditions. This method was proposed in 1936 by the Swedish scientist E. Melin, who used a simple chamber consisting of two flasks connected to each other. In one of them, a pine seedling was grown sterilely and a fungus was introduced in the form of mycelium taken from a young fruiting body at the transition of the cap to the stem, and in the other there was liquid for the necessary soil moisture. Subsequently, scientists who continued work on the synthesis of mycorrhiza made various improvements to the structure of such a device, which made it possible to conduct experiments under more controlled conditions and for a longer time.
Using the Melin method, by 1953 the connection between tree species and 47 species of fungi from 12 genera had been experimentally proven. It is now known that mycorrhizae with tree species can form more than 600 species of fungi from such genera as fly agarics, rowers, hygrophores, some laticifers (for example, milk mushrooms), russula, etc., and it turned out that everyone can form mycorrhiza not with one, but with different tree species. In this regard, all records were broken by a marsupial fungus that has sclerotia, Caenococcum granuformis, which under experimental conditions formed mycorrhiza with 55 species of tree species. The sublarch butterfly is characterized by the greatest specialization, forming mycorrhiza with larch and cedar pine.
Some genera of fungi are not capable of forming mycorrhizae - talkers, colibia, omphalia, etc.
And yet, despite such wide specialization, the impact of different mycorrhizal fungi on higher plants is not the same. Thus, in the mycorrhiza of Scots pine formed by the oiler, the absorption of phosphorus from hard-to-reach compounds occurs better than when the fly agaric is involved in the formation of mycorrhiza. There are other facts that confirm this. This is very important to take into account in practice and when using mycorrhization of tree species for their better development you should select a mushroom for a particular breed that would have the most beneficial effect on it.
It has now been established that mycorrhiza-forming hymenomycetes in natural conditions Without connection with the roots of trees, they do not form fruiting bodies, although their mycelium can exist saprotrophically. That is why until now it was impossible to grow milk mushrooms, saffron milk caps, White mushroom, boletus and other valuable species edible mushrooms. However, in principle this is possible. Someday, even in the near future, people will learn to give the mycelium everything that it receives from cohabitation with the roots of trees, and will force it to bear fruit. In any case, in laboratory conditions such experiments are underway.
As for tree species, spruce, pine, larch, fir, and perhaps most other conifers are considered highly mycotrophic, and among deciduous species - oak, beech and hornbeam. Birch, elm, hazel, aspen, poplar, linden, willow, alder, rowan, and bird cherry are weakly mycotrophic. These tree species have mycorrhiza in typical forest conditions, but in parks, gardens and when growing as individual plants they may not have it. In fast-growing species such as poplar and eucalyptus, the absence of mycorrhiza is often associated with their rapid consumption of the resulting carbohydrates during intensive growth, i.e. carbohydrates do not have time to accumulate in the roots, which is a necessary condition for a fungus to settle on them and mycorrhiza to form.
What are the relationships between the components in mycorrhiza? One of the first hypotheses about the essence of mycorrhiza formation was proposed in 1900 by the German biologist E. Stahl. It was as follows: in the soil there is fierce competition between various organisms in the struggle for water and mineral salts. It is especially pronounced at the roots higher plants and fungal mycelium in humus soils, where there are usually many mushrooms. Those plants that had a powerful root system and good transpiration did not suffer much in the conditions of such competition, but those that root system was relatively weak, and transpiration was reduced, i.e., plants that were unable to successfully absorb soil solutions escaped their predicament by forming mycorrhiza with a powerfully developed system of hyphae that penetrated the soil and increased the absorptive capacity of the root. The weakest point of this hypothesis is that there is no direct relationship between the absorption of water and the absorption of mineral salts. Thus, plants that quickly absorb and quickly evaporate water are not the most armed in the competition for mineral salts.
Other hypotheses were based on the ability of fungi to act with their enzymes on lignin-protein complexes of the soil, destroy them and make them available to higher plants. Suggestions were also made, which were later confirmed, that the fungus and plant can exchange growth substances and vitamins. Fungi, as heterotrophic organisms that require ready-made organic matter, primarily receive carbohydrates from higher plants. This was confirmed not only by experiments, but also by direct observations. For example, if trees grow in a forest in heavily shaded areas, the degree of mycorrhiza formation is greatly reduced, since carbohydrates do not have time to accumulate in the required quantities in the roots. The same applies to fast-growing tree species. Consequently, in sparse forest plantations mycorrhiza forms better, faster and more abundantly, and therefore the process of mycorrhiza formation can improve during thinning.
1.What is mycorrhiza?
2. Mycorrhizal fungi, or symbiotrophs.
3. The role of mycorrhiza in plant life.
Mycorrhiza (from the Greek mykes - mushroom and rhiza - root), fungal root, mutually beneficial cohabitation (symbiosis) of the mycelium of the fungus with the root of a higher plant. There are ectotrophic (external) Mycorrhiza, in which the fungus entwines the integumentary tissue of the endings of young roots and penetrates into the intercellular spaces of the outermost layers of the cortex, and endotrophic (internal), which is characterized by the introduction of mycelium (fungal hyphae) into the cells. Ectotrophic Mycorrhiza is characteristic of many trees (oak, spruce, pine, birch), shrubs (willow), some shrubs (dryad) and herbaceous plants (buckwheat viviparous). Young roots of these plants usually branch, their ends thicken, the growing part of the roots is enveloped in a thick, dense fungal sheath, from which fungal hyphae extend into the soil and along the intercellular spaces into the root to the depth of one or several layers of bark, forming the so-called. Hartig network; the root hairs die off (euectotrophic type of Mycorrhiza). In the arctic shrub, an arctic and herbaceous plant, the wintergreen hyphae of the large-flowered fungus penetrate not only into the intercellular spaces, but also into the cells of the cortex (ectoendotrophic type of Mycorrhiza). Ectotrophic Mycorrhizae are most often formed by hymenomycetes (genus Boletus, Lactarius, Russula, Amanita, etc.), less often by gasteromycetes. Not one, but several species of fungi can participate in the formation of Mycorrhiza on the roots of one plant. However, as a rule, only certain mycorrhizal fungi are found in plant communities - symbionts of these plant species.
With the development of endotrophic Mycorrhiza, the shape of the roots does not change, root hairs usually do not die, a fungal sheath and a “Hartig network” are not formed; The hyphae of the fungus penetrate into the cells of the crustal parenchyma. In plants of the heather, wintergreen, lingonberry and cucumber families, the fungal hyphae in the cells form balls, which are later digested by the plant (ericoid type of Mycorrhiza). Phycomycetes (genus Endogone, Pythium) participate in the formation of this type of mycorrhiza. In plants of the orchid family, fungal hyphae from the soil penetrate into the seed, forming balls that are then digested by the cells of the seed. Of the fungi, this type of Mycorrhiza is characteristic of imperfect ones (genus Rhizoctonia) and less often - basidiomycetes (genus Armillaria, etc.). The most common in nature - in many annual and perennial grasses, shrubs and trees of various families - is the phycomycete type of Mycorrhiza, in which the hyphae of the fungus penetrate through the cells of the epidermis of the root, localizing in the intercellular spaces and cells of the middle layers of the crustal parenchyma. Mycorrhiza has a beneficial effect on the plant: due to the developed mycelium, the absorbing surface of the root increases and the flow of water and nutrients into the plant increases. Mycorrhiza-forming fungi are probably capable of decomposing some inaccessible to the plant organic compounds soils, produce substances such as vitamins and growth activators. The fungus uses some substances (possibly carbohydrates) that it extracts from the plant root. When cultivating forests on soil that does not contain mycorrhizal fungi, small quantities of forest soil are added to it, for example, when sowing acorns, soil from an old oak forest is added.
Mycorrhizal fungi, or symbiotrophs.
A special group of forest soil fungi consists of very numerous mycorrhizal fungi. This is one of the main groups of mushrooms in the forest. Mycorrhiza - a symbiosis of the roots of higher plants with fungi - is formed in most plants (with the exception of aquatic ones), both woody and herbaceous (especially perennial). In this case, the mycelium located in the soil comes into direct contact with the roots of higher plants. Based on how this contact occurs, three types of mycorrhizae are distinguished: endotrophic, ectotrophic and ectoendotrophic.
In endotrophic mycorrhizae, characteristic of most herbaceous plants, and especially for the orchid family, the fungus spreads mainly inside the root tissues and relatively little comes out. The roots bear normal root hairs. For most orchid species, such mycorrhiza is obligate, i.e. the seeds of these plants cannot germinate and develop in the absence of the fungus. For many other herbaceous plants, the presence of a fungus is not so necessary. Herbaceous plants enter into mycorrhizal symbiosis with microscopic fungi that do not form large fruiting bodies. In endotrophic mycorrhiza, biologically active substances such as vitamins produced by the fungus are probably of great importance for higher plants. In part, the fungus supplies the higher plant with nitrogenous substances, since part of the fungal hyphae located in the root cells is digested by them. The fungus, in turn, receives organic substances - carbohydrates - from the higher plant.
Ectotrophic mycorrhiza is distinguished by the presence of an outer sheath of fungal hyphae on the root. From this sheath, free hyphae extend into the surrounding soil. The root does not have its own root hairs. This mycorrhiza is characteristic of woody plants and is rarely found in herbaceous plants.
The transition between these types of mycorrhizae is ectoendotrophic mycorrhiza, which is more common than purely ectotrophic. Fungal hyphae with such mycorrhiza densely entwine the root from the outside and at the same time give abundant branches that penetrate into the root. This mycorrhiza is found in most tree species. In this mycorrhiza, the fungus receives carbon nutrition from the root, since it itself, being a heterotroph, cannot synthesize organic substances from inorganic ones. Its outer free hyphae diverge widely in the soil from the root, replacing the latter with root hairs. These free hyphae obtain water, mineral salts, and soluble organic substances (mainly nitrogenous) from the soil. Some of these substances enter the root, and some are used by the fungus itself to build mycelium and fruiting bodies.
Most tree species form mycorrhiza with the mycelium of cap mushrooms - macromycetes from the class of basidiomycetes, a group of orders called hymenomycetes. The soil in the forest, especially near the roots of trees, is permeated with mycorrhizal fungi, and numerous fruiting bodies of these fungi appear on the soil surface. These are pink boletus (Leccinum scabrum), red boletus (Leccinum aurantiacum), camelina (Lactarius deliciosus), many types of russula (genus Russula) and many other cap mushrooms found only in the forest. There are significantly fewer mycorrhizal fungi in the group of orders Gasteromycetes. These are mainly species of the genus Scleroderma. The common puffball (see description of the common puffball) enters into a mycorrhizal symbiosis with broad-leaved species. Edible species of the genus Melanogaster also form mycorrhizae mainly with the roots of deciduous trees. Their semi-underground fruiting bodies develop on the soil under a layer of leaf litter or shallowly in the soil, usually in deciduous forests. Melanogaster dubious (M. ambiguus) is especially common in oak and hornbeam forests from May to October. Its black-brown fruit bodies, 1-3 cm in diameter, smell like garlic and have a pleasant spicy taste. A closely related species, Melanogaster broomeianus (M. broomeianus), also found in deciduous forests, has larger (up to 8 cm in diameter) brown fruiting bodies with a pleasant fruity aroma. The class of marsupial fungi (ascomycetes) also contains a small number of mycorrhizal fungi. These are mainly species with underground fruiting bodies belonging to the order Truffles (Tuberales). Black, or true, truffle (Tuber melanosporum) grows in forests along with oak, beech, hornbeam on calcareous gravelly soil, mainly in the south of France; it is not found on Russian territory. White truffle (Choiromyces meandriformis), common in Russia, grows in deciduous forests with birch, poplar, elm, linden, willow, rowan, and hawthorn. For mycorrhizal fungi, such symbiosis is mandatory. Even if their mycelium can develop without the participation of tree roots, fruiting bodies are usually not formed in this case. This is associated with the failure of attempts to artificially breed the most valuable edible forest mushrooms, such as the porcini mushroom (Boletus edulis). It forms mycorrhiza with many tree species: birch, oak, hornbeam, beech, pine, spruce.
Some types of fungi form mycorrhizae with only one specific species. Thus, the larch butterfly (Suillus grevillei) forms mycorrhiza only with larch. For trees, symbiosis with fungi is also important: experiments in forest belts and forest plantations have shown that without mycorrhiza, trees develop worse, are stunted in growth, are weakened, and are more susceptible to diseases.
The role of mycorrhiza in plant life
The existence of mycorrhizae, fungi that live on the roots of plants, has been known for quite some time. This phenomenon - a community, or symbiosis of fungi and higher plants - was discovered by scientists in the mid-19th century. However, for a long time this remained simply a known fact and nothing more. Research in recent decades has shown the enormous role it plays in plant life. The first discoveries were made using a microscope, when fungal threads were discovered entwining the roots of plants. The microscope made it possible to see another type of mycorrhiza, which lives inside the root, penetrating and growing inside the root cells. The first type was called ectomycorrhiza, that is, external mycorrhiza. It has been found on the roots of almost all woody plants. The hyphae of the fungus entwine the root, forming a continuous sheath. From this cover, thin threads stretch in all directions, penetrating the soil for tens of meters around the tree. The mushrooms that we collect in the forest are ectomycorrhizal fruiting bodies in which spores are formed. They can be likened to the underwater part of an iceberg. Anyone who wants to grow edible mushrooms on their plot must first acquire the appropriate tree, then the corresponding mycorrhiza must form on it, and only then, perhaps, fruiting bodies will grow on it. The second type of mycorrhiza is endomycorrhiza, that is, internal mycorrhiza is characteristic mainly of herbaceous plants, including most cultivated plants. It is of much more ancient origin. Both types of mycorrhiza can often be found on one plant.
When scientists found a method to identify the DNA of mycorrhizal fungi, they were amazed by their ubiquity. Firstly, it turned out that about 90% of all plant species have mycorrhizae on their roots. Secondly, it was found that mycorrhiza has existed for as long as land plants have existed. Endomycorrhizal DNA has been found in the fossil remains of the first land plants, which are about 400 million years old. These first plants were apparently similar to lichens, representing a symbiosis of algae and fungus. The algae, through photosynthesis, creates organic substances to feed the fungus, and the fungus plays the role of a root, extracting mineral elements from the substrate on which the lichen has settled. The fungus accompanied the plant throughout its terrestrial life. Even when the plants had roots, the fungus did not leave them, helping to extract nutrients from the soil. Currently, only a few plant species have gained independence and managed to do without mycorrhiza. These are a number of species from the families Chenopodiaceae, cabbage and amaranthaceae. Actually, it is not entirely clear why this independence is needed, since mycorrhiza increases the absorptive capacity of the roots many times over.
The hyphae of the fungus are more than an order of magnitude thinner than the root hairs and therefore are able to penetrate into the finest pores of soil minerals, which are even present in each individual grain of sand. In one cubic centimeter of soil surrounding the roots, the total length of mycorrhizal threads ranges from 20 to 40 meters. Fungal threads gradually destroy soil minerals, extracting from them mineral plant nutrition elements that are not in the soil solution, including such an important element as phosphorus. Mycorrhiza plays a very significant role in supplying plants with phosphorus, as well as a number of microelements, such as zinc and cobalt. It is clear that the plant does not skimp and pays well for this service, giving mycorrhiza 20 to 30% of the carbon it absorbs in the form of soluble organic compounds.
Further research brought even more unexpected and surprising discoveries regarding the role of mycorrhiza in the plant world. It turned out that the threads of fungi, intertwined underground, can communicate one plant with another through the transfer and exchange of organic and mineral compounds. The concept of plant communities has been illuminated in a completely new light. These are not just plants growing nearby, but a single organism, connected into a single whole by an underground network of numerous thin threads. A kind of mutual aid was discovered, where stronger plants feed weaker ones. Plants with very small seeds especially need this. The microscopic seedling would not have been able to survive if the general nutritional network had not initially taken it into its care. The exchange between plants has been proven by experiments with radioactive isotopes.
Scientists have discovered several species of plants, including orchids, which throughout their lives receive nutrition almost exclusively from mycorrhiza, although they have a photosynthetic apparatus and could synthesize organic substances themselves.
Mycorrhiza helps plants tolerate stress, drought, and lack of nutrition. Scientists believe that without mycorrhizae, majestic tropical forests, forests of oaks, eucalyptus, and redwoods could not withstand the climatic stresses that are inevitable in nature.
However, in a plant community, just as in a human community, conflicts are inevitable. Mycorrhiza has a certain selectivity, and if a certain type of mycorrhiza has spread in a plant community, this does not mean that it will be equally favorable to all types of plants. It is assumed that the species composition of plant communities largely depends on the properties of mycorrhiza. For some species that do not correspond to her, she can simply survive without providing them with food. Plants of this unwanted species gradually weaken and die. For a very long time, mycorrhizal fungi could not be grown under artificial conditions. But since the 1980s these difficulties have been overcome. Firms have emerged that produce some types of mycorrhiza for sale. Ectomycorrhiza is produced for use in forest nurseries and it has been found that its introduction into the root zone significantly improves the growth of seedlings.
Do gardeners need mycorrhizal preparations? Indeed, under natural conditions, mycorrhiza is found in all soils. Its spores are so small and light that they are carried by the wind to any distance. In a healthy garden, where chemicals are not abused, mycorrhiza is always present in the soil. However, it has been established that high doses of mineral fertilizers and pesticides, especially fungicides, suppress the development of mycorrhiza. It is not found in soils deprived of fertility as a result of inept farming, as a result of construction, or in soils deprived of humus for one reason or another. The experience of gardeners in the USA, where there are several commercial companies producing mycorrhiza for gardeners, says that in extreme conditions, adding mycorrhizal preparations to the soil has a very good effect. Gardeners who have received land deprived of fertility for use or are located in areas with an unfavorable climate have learned from their own experience that inoculation with mycorrhiza gives them the opportunity to have a flowering garden even in these unfavorable conditions. Usually the mycorrhiza preparation is in the form of a powder containing spores. It is used to treat seeds or roots of seedlings. Endomycorrhiza preparations are used for ornamental and vegetable plants, and ectomycorrhiza preparations are used for trees and shrubs. However, to get a good effect from mycorrhiza, you need to do important condition– switch to an organic gardening method. This means using organic fertilizers, not digging up the soil (only loosening), mulching, and refusing to use high doses mineral fertilizers and fungicides.
The role of mycorrhiza in plant life.
The symbiosis of plants and fungi has existed for 400 million years and contributes to the great diversity of life forms on Earth. In 1845 it was discovered by German scientists. Mycorrhizal endofunges penetrate directly into the root of the plant and form a “mycelium” (mycelium), which helps the roots strengthen the immune system, fight pathogens of various diseases, absorb water, phosphorus and nutrients from the soil. With the help of the fungus, the plant uses soil resources to their full potential. One root could not cope with such a task; Without the support of fungi, plants have to direct additional reserves to increase the root system, instead of increasing the above-ground part. Mycorrhiza improves soil quality, aeration, porosity, and the volume of the total absorbent surface of the plant root increases a thousand times! Due to active human intervention in natural processes: the use of heavy equipment, the introduction of chemical fertilizers, construction work, laying pipelines, asphalt and concrete, air and water pollution, dam construction, soil cultivation, soil erosion, etc. - plants began to be exposed to unprecedented stress, their immunity weakened and led to death.
The German company Mykoplant AG - a leading global manufacturer - sells the endofunge Mykoplant ® BT - an innovative product, an environmentally friendly natural product, an organic plant growth regulator, approved by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Federal Republic of Germany. Mikoplant AG is the only company in the world that produces granular mycorrhizal preparations. Mykoplant ® BT is the spores of the endomycorrhizal fungus (Glomus family), enclosed in 3-5 mm of clay (carrier). It took decades of painstaking research to determine the improving qualities of mycorrhizal fungi. The granulated form of the drug is protected by an international patent. The drug is grown in greenhouses.
Mykoplant ® BT promotes the formation of mycorrhiza in 90% of plants and trees.
Does not have phytopathogens and pathogenic microorganisms.
Not an ounce of chemicals.
None negative impact on people, animals and the environment.
Non-toxic, does not accumulate in plants.
Positive effects of mycorrhiza:
Saves water up to 50%
Stores nutrients for plants
Increases growth and improves plant quality
Increases resistance to drought, lack of drainage
Increases resistance to salts and heavy metals
Improves appearance, taste and aroma
Improves stress resistance and overall plant immunity
Improves disease tolerance
Reduces infection in roots and foliage
Accelerates the establishment of plants in a new place
Increases productivity, growth of green mass
Accelerates root development and flowering by 3-4 weeks
Works well in salty or waste-contaminated soil
Use once with perennial plants
What does a mushroom do? 1. Stores additional water (saving up to 50% depending on region) and nutrients for the plant. 2. Dissolves and supplies the plant with unavailable mineral nutrients, such as phosphates. 3. Protects the plant against underground pests (for example, nematodes).
What does the plant do? Supplies the fungus with carbohydrates (glucose)
To facilitate penetration into the root, the product must have direct contact with it. Used especially effectively in spring, early stages plant development, but is successfully used at any stage of plant development. The activity of mycorrhiza is determined by the number of spores per cm3 of the product (in the USA only 10 spores per cm3 are produced and the price of one liter of the product in the USA is $120). Is the number of spores in a product important? Yes, the number of spores is important, since it determines the efficiency of colony formation and the level of bioactivity.
Mycorrhizal fungi are already in the soil. Why then inoculate crops with the drug? Although mycorrhizal fungi can theoretically be found in the soil, not all types are best suited for your crop. The mycoplant consists of many Glomus families, so successful colonization can be considered almost guaranteed. In which countries is the drug already used? Germany, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Greece, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Egypt, Holland.
What is the unit of measurement for the drug? It is customary to measure in liters, which is equal to approx. 0.33 kg
Who else in the world produces mycorrhizal preparations in granular form? Nobody; Mikoplant AG is the only company in the world that has succeeded in this.
How many years has the company been in existence? The company was registered in 2000.
Is there an ISO certificate for the drug? Currently no, because the quality of the drug is checked by the ISO-certified German Institute for Innovation Technology ITA.
Are all aspects of the influence of mycorrhiza on a plant known? There is still a long way to go. Scientists continue to study the unique natural mechanism of interaction between the drug and the plant, and we can only guess about all the positive aspects of the symbiosis.
Unlike chemicals, the drug cannot be overdosed. Without loosening the soil, when adding the drug to the soil for perennial plants It is applied only once, then the mushroom reproduces underground on its own. The technology for using the drug is carried out with the participation of German specialists. Before applying the granulate, the soil is analyzed and the crops to be planted are calculated. In each case, a suitable substrate and host plant are required; it is important to conduct a variety of experiments during the cultivation period in different climatic zones. Burnt clay is used as a spore carrier.
Advantages of granulate:
1. Long shelf life
2. Light weight (350 kg/m3)
3. Convenient transportation
4. Convenient to use
5. Can be selectively disinfected
6. You can change the number of spores depending on the colonies
7. You can easily dose the drug
8. Can be applied using technical means
Methods of application:
1. Apply the granulate closer to the root into a hole in the pot or directly into the soil.
2. Mechanized application into previously plowed soil.
3. Mixing granulate with grain/seeds before sowing.
Application technology:
The use of the drug does not require special equipment. It is important to ensure contact between the fungus and the roots. Drill holes in the tops of an imaginary five-pointed star at a distance of 1-1.5 meters from the tree trunk (diameter = 5-10 cm, depth 30-50 cm), add 100-200g of granules to each hole, cover with soil, water. Results appear after 5-6 weeks. 1 liter of the drug corresponds to 300-330 grams of product.
One-time use depends on the volume of the root:
1. Seedlings 10 - 25 ml/plant
2. Young bushes 25 - 100 ml/bush
3. Young trees 100 - 250 ml/tree
From the definition of the term mycorrhiza given at the beginning of the section, it follows that this is a symbiosis of fungi with the roots of higher plants.
In this regard, symbiotrophic fungi involved in the formation of mycorrhizae are called mycorrhizal fungi, or mycorrhiza-formers. Isolated from mycorrhizas into culture, these fungi (Shemakhanova, 1962) do not form any reproductive organs by which they could be directly identified systematic position. Therefore, to determine mycorrhizal fungi and their connection with a particular tree species or other plant, they were used at different times. various methods.
The simplest method of direct observation in nature is based on external communications, existing between mycorrhiza and ground, mainly cap mushrooms. The connections between mushrooms and plants have been noted for a long time, and on this basis the names of mushrooms are given according to the tree in the forest under which they grow, for example: boletus, or birch berry, - under a birch; boletus, or aspen, - under the aspen. The close connection between fungi and plants is evidenced by the spider web mushroom (Cortinarius hemitridus), which, in the apt expression of E. Melin, an outstanding researcher of mycorrhizae of tree species, follows the birch like “a dolphin follows a ship.” Observations in nature served as starting points for subsequent research and have not lost their importance to this day as an auxiliary method.
Mycorrhiza-forming fungi are identified by fungal hyphae as growing in natural conditions, and grown in pure culture, by the serological method, by the method of semi-sterile and sterile cultures. In the process of application, the methods were modified and improved. For example, to determine the types of mycorrhiza-formers, a method for identifying mycorrhizal mycelium with soil mycelium of fungi considered mycorrhiza-forming was proposed (Vanin and Akhremovich, 1952). The most accurate and reliable method for resolving the question of the actual participation of certain fungi in the formation of mycorrhizae is the method of pure cultures of fungi and the method of sterile cultures of mycorrhizae.
Using various research methods and especially the pure culture method, scientists have determined the composition of mycorrhiza-forming fungi for many tree species: pine, spruce, larch, oak, birch and other coniferous and deciduous species.
Many scientists in our country and abroad have compiled lists of mycorrhizal fungi of various forest tree species. At the same time, different authors cite either a larger or smaller number of fungi that take part in the formation of mycorrhizae of one or another species.
With regard to the systematic composition of fungi involved in the formation of ectotrophic mycorrhizae, all researchers believe that mycorrhizal fungi belong predominantly to the orders of Aphyllophorales and Agaricales of the class of basidiomycetes. In this case, the most frequently named genera of fungi that form ectotrophic mycorrhiza of tree species are: Amanita, Boletus, Cantharellus, Hebe-loma, Lactarius, Tricholoma, etc. Representatives of the order Gasteromycetes (Gasteromycetales) from basidiomycetes, for example, Geaster, Rhisopogon, take part in the formation of mycorrhizae ; from the class of marsupial fungi (Ascomycetes), for example, Gyromitra, Tuber; from imperfect fungi (Fungi inperfecti), for example Phoma, as well as from other systematic categories.
On the composition of mycorrhiza-forming fungi, their association with some of the main tree species growing in the territory Soviet Union, does not indicate full list, compiled primarily from published materials.
The given list of fungi that form ectotrophic mycorrhiza with the roots of some tree species indicates that their number different breeds various. There are 47 species of mycorrhiza-forming fungi in pine, 39 in oak, 27 in fir, 26 in birch and 21 in spruce. At the same time, mycorrhizal fungi include fungi from both the group of orders Hymenomycetes and Gasteromycetes of the Basidiamycetes class, and from the class of marsupial fungi. Other tree species have fewer mycorrhizal fungi, for example, larch has only 15 species, aspen has 6 species, and linden has even fewer - 4 species.
In addition to the quantitative composition by species and belonging to certain systematic categories, mycorrhizal fungi differ in biological features. Thus, mycorrhizal fungi differ in the degree to which they are confined in their development to the roots. certain plants, by specialization.
Most fungi involved in ectotrophic mycorrhiza are not specialized on one particular host plant, but form mycorrhiza with many types of tree species. For example, the red fly agaric (Amanita muscaria Quel.) is capable of forming mycorrhizae with many coniferous and deciduous tree species. Some species of Boletus, Lactarius, Russula are poorly specialized, the fruiting bodies of which are often found in combination with certain types of forest trees. For example, late butterberry (Boletus luteus L.-Ixocomus) grows in pine and spruce forests and is associated with the formation of mycorrhiza on pine: birch grass (Boletus scaber Bull. var. scaber Vassilkov-Krombholzia) forms mycorrhiza mainly on birch roots.
The least specialized among all the mycorrhiza-formers of forest trees is the indiscriminate Cenoccocum graniforme. This fungus was found in the root system of pine, spruce, larch, oak, beech, birch, linden and 16 other woody plants (J. Harley, 1963). The lack of specialization and promiscuity in relation to the substrate of the coenococcus is indicated by its wide distribution even in soils on which none of the known hosts of the fungus grow. Other non-specialized fungi, for example, boletus bovinus L.-Ixocomus and common birch (Boletus scaber Bull. var. scaber Vassilkov-Kroincholzia) can be found in the soil in the form of mycelial strands or rhizomorphs.
The low specialization of mycorrhizal fungi is also manifested in the fact that sometimes several mycorrhizal fungi form ectotrophic mycorrhiza on the roots of the same tree species in natural forest conditions. Such ectotrophic mycorrhiza of the root of one tree or a branch of the root, formed by various symbiont fungi, is called by some scientists multiple infection (Levison, 1963). Just as most mycorrhizal fungi do not have strict specialization with respect to plant species, host plants do not have specialization with respect to fungi. Most species of host plants can form mycorrhizae with several species of fungi, i.e., the same tree can simultaneously be a symbiont of several species of fungi.
Thus, the composition of fungi that form ectotrophic mycorrhiza is diverse in terms of systematic characteristics and biological characteristics. Most of them belong to slightly specialized illegible forms that form mycorrhizae with coniferous and deciduous tree species and are found in the soil in the form of mycelial strands and rhizomorphs. Only some mycorrhizal fungi have a narrower specialization limited to one plant genus.
The composition of fungi that form endotrophic mycorrhiza is no less diverse. Endotrophic mycorrhizal fungi belong to different systematic categories. Here, first of all, a distinction is made between endotrophic mycorrhiza, formed by lower fungi, in which the mycelium is noncellular, nonseptate, and higher fungi with multicellular, septate mycelium. Endotrophic mycorrhiza, formed by mushrooms with nonseptate mycelium, is sometimes called phycomycete mycorrhiza, since nonseptate mycelium is found in lower fungi of the class Phycomycetes. The mycelium of phycomycete mycorrhiza is characterized by a large diameter of hyphae, its endophytic distribution in the tissues of the plant root and the formation of arbuscules and vesicles inside the tissues. For this reason, endotrophic mycorrhiza is sometimes also called vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza.
The group of fungi Rhizophagus, consisting of two phycomycetes Endogone and Pythium, which are very different from each other in cultural and other characteristics, takes part in the formation of phycomycete endotrophic mycorrhiza.
The composition of endophytic mycorrhiza fungi with septate mycelium varies depending on the type of mycorrhiza and the group of plants from whose roots it is formed. Orchids (Orchidaceae) have long attracted the attention of botanists for their diversity of forms, methods of reproduction and distribution, and economic value. These fungi have also been studied from the point of view of mycorrhiza, since all representatives of this family are susceptible to infection by fungi and contain fungal mycelium in the cells of the cortex of their absorbing organs. Orchid fungi constitute a separate group in many respects: they have septate mycelium with buckles, and according to this feature they are classified as basidiomycetes. But since they do not form fruiting bodies in culture, they are classified as imperfect stages, the genus Rhizoctonia-Rh. lenuginosa, Rh. repens, etc.
At different times, many species of Rhizoctonia, including perfect stages of basidiomycetes, such as Corticium catoni, were isolated and described from seeds and adult orchid plants. The mycelium of basidiomycetes with buckles, isolated from orchids, is assigned to one or another genus based on its fruiting bodies and other characteristics. For example, Marasmius coniatus forms mycorrhiza with Didymoplexis, and Xeritus javanicus with Gastrodia species. Honey fungus (Armillaria mellea Quel) does not form buckles, but it is easy to identify in its vegetative form by its rhizomorphs. It is a mycorrhiza-former in the galeola vine (Galeola septentrional is), gastrodia (Gastrodia) and other orchids.
Heather fungi (Ericaceae) were originally isolated from the roots of lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis idaea), heather (Erica carnea) and heather (Andromedia polifolia). In culture, these fungi formed pycnidia and were called Phoma radicis with 5 races. Each race was named after the plant from which it was isolated. Subsequently, it was proven that this fungus is a mycorrhiza-former of heathers.
Very little is known about the fungi that form peritrophic mycorrhiza. In all likelihood, this includes some soil fungi that can be found in the rhizosphere different types trees in different soil conditions.
Mycorrhiza is a symbiosis between the plant and the mycelium of the fungus living in the soil. Certain types of fungi cooperate with specific types plants. In natural conditions, allies are found on their own. In the garden we must help them with this by using appropriate “vaccines” applied to the soil.
What is mycorrhiza?
Mycorrhiza, (from Greek mikos (μύκης) - mushroom and rhiza (ρίζα) - root) is a phenomenon of mutually beneficial coexistence between living plant cells and non-pathogenic (non-disease-causing) fungi that colonize the soil. The definition of mycorrhiza literally means “ mushroom root«.
Mycorrhiza is a partnership between plants and fungi leading to mutual benefit. Fungi use the products of plant photosynthesis to produce plant sugars that they cannot produce themselves. Plants, in turn, receive much more benefits thanks to mycorrhiza.
Mycelial hyphae penetrate into the cells of the root cortex ( Endomycorrhiza) or remain on the surface of the root, entwining it with a dense network ( Ectomycorrhiza), thereby increasing the ability to absorb moisture and mineral salts from the soil. Plants begin to grow stronger and produce more flowers and fruits. They also become much more resistant to unfavorable conditions - drought, frost, inappropriate pH or excessive salinity of the soil. Mycorrhiza protects plants from diseases (,).
Where is mycorrhiza found?
Mycorrhizae have existed in nature for millions of years.– more than 80% of all plants remain in symbiosis with mycorrhizal fungi. On personal plots, unfortunately, rarely occurs, as it was destroyed as a result of intensive cultivation and the use of chemical fertilizers and plant protection products.
It is not possible to check with the naked eye (without a microscope) whether there is mycorrhiza in the garden soil. Mycorrhizal fungi very often die during the construction of a house. Deep pits, soil left on the surface, remains of crushed stone and lime are the main reasons for the absence of mycorrhiza in the garden.
Noticeable effect of mycorrhiza
The most popular and most noticeable results of mycorrhiza are Forest mushrooms. These are the fruiting bodies of ectomycorrhizal fungi. Even a beginner in mushroom picking will notice after the first mushroom picking that specific mushrooms only grow in close proximity to specific trees.
Chanterelles grow both under deciduous trees and under coniferous trees, saffron milk caps under pines, spruces and firs. Porcini mushrooms can be found in not too dense forests, mainly under oaks, beeches, as well as pine and spruce trees. It is better to look for moss mushrooms under spruce and pine trees, as well as in deciduous forests, under oaks and beeches. In birch groves and under spruce trees, boletus grows, and boletus grows under birch, hornbeam and oak trees.
Mycorrhizal preparations – vaccines
Mycorrhizal vaccines contain live fungal hyphae or fungal spores. For various plants specific, adapted mixtures of mycorrhiza are intended (they also include edible varieties, however, in garden plots they rarely form fruiting bodies).
You can buy mycorrhizal preparations for indoor plants(the most popular is mycorrhiza) and balcony plants. Much larger selection of vaccines for garden plants- for, and deciduous plants, vegetables, for heather, roses, and even for.
The roots of old trees go very deep, and the tree itself has only skeletal roots that are not suitable for mycorrhization. It should be remembered that in plants, both young and adult, the youngest roots are located relatively shallow underground, within 10-40 cm. In the case of planting trees dug directly from the ground, with an open root system, the vaccine should be added to several of the youngest, living roots before planting.
5 rules for using mycorrhiza vaccine
- Preparations in powder form are added to the substrate at flower pot and then watered. Vaccines in the form of a suspension are introduced into pots or into the soil (directly onto the roots) using a syringe or a special applicator.
- It is enough to plant the roots of plants once to connect with it and be useful throughout life.
- There is no universal mycorrhiza suitable for all types of plants! Each plant (or group of plants - for example, heathers) remains in mycorrhiza only with certain types of fungi.
- Much better are those containing mycelium hyphae. Vaccines containing fungal spores can be unreliable because the spores often do not have suitable conditions for germination. Mycorrhiza of living mycelium, unlike dry preparations, after watering, is ready for an immediate reaction with the plant. In the form of a gel suspension, it is stable even for several years, at a temperature of about 0⁰C, and loses its vitality when dried.
- After introducing live mycelium, you should not fertilize the plants for 2 months. Also, do not use any fungicides.
If you have anything to add, please be sure to leave a comment on
Tests
610-1. Which organisms have a body made up of mycelium?
A) algae
B) bacteria
B) mushrooms
D) protozoa
Answer
610-2. Vegetative propagation in fungi it is carried out with the help
A) dispute
B) gametes
B) mycelium
D) fruiting bodies
Answer
610-3. The fruiting body is characteristic of
A) Bacteria
B) Mushrooms
B) Protozoa
D) Algae
Answer
610-4. The mold fungus penicillium consists of
A) various tissues and organs
B) anucleate cells on which sporangia are located
B) multicellular mycelium and racemose sporangia
D) multicellular mycelium and fruiting body
Answer
610-5. Which of the following representatives belongs to the kingdom of fungi?
A) sphagnum
B) streptococcus
B) penicillium
D) chlorella
Answer
610-6. What mushrooms do not form mycorrhizae with woody plants?
A) boletus
B) boletus
B) chanterelles
D) tinder fungi
Answer
610-7. Look at the drawing. What letter on it indicates the mycelium?
Answer
610-8. What function does the cap of the fruiting body perform in boletus?
A) serves to attract animals and humans
B) catches solar energy, providing photosynthesis
B) is the place where spores are formed
D) provides air supply
Answer
610-9. Which of the following fungi does not form mycorrhizae?
A) tinder fungi
B) boletus
B) boletus
D) white
Answer
610-10. What are hyphae?
A) threads that make up the body of the mushroom
B) fungal sporulation organs
B) organs of attachment of the fungus to the substrate
D) photosynthetic part of the lichen
Answer
610-11. Consider a microphotograph of a mukor mold. What is contained in the black balls of this mushroom?
A) nutrients
B) water with mineral salts
B) microscopic spores
D) microscopic seeds
Answer
610-12. Which mushroom is classified as tubular?
A) russula
B) boletus
B) autumn honey fungus
D) champignon
Answer
610-13. What function does the fruiting body of the boletus mushroom perform?
A) structural
B) trophic
B) excretory
D) generative
Answer
610-14. When picking mushrooms, it is important not to damage the mycelium, as it
A) serves as a place for spore formation
B) serves as food for animals living in the soil
B) absorbs nutrients dissolved in water from the soil
D) holds soil lumps together and protects it from erosion
Answer
610-15. Settling on stumps, honey mushrooms use them for
A) attracting pollinating insects
B) obtaining finished organic substances
B) obtaining energy from inorganic substances
D) protection against pathogenic bacteria
Answer
610-16. Why is it often found on a rotten stump? a large number of again?
A) a rotting stump releases heat, which activates the growth of honey mushrooms
B) a rotting stump emits heat, which activates the reproduction of mushrooms
C) honey mushrooms feed organic substances dead plant
D) the mycelium of honey mushrooms forms mycorrhiza with the roots of the stump
Answer
610-17. Why are porcini mushrooms often found in oak forests?
A) There is a lot of light in the oak forest.
B) Porcini mushrooms form mycorrhiza with oak roots.
C) Porcini mushrooms have no competitors in the oak forest.
D) In the oak forest there are no animals that feed on porcini mushrooms.