- mycorrhiza
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—mycorrhizal, mycorhizal, adj./muy'keuh ruy"zeuh/, n., pl. mycorrhizae /-zee/, mycorrhizas. Plant Pathol.a symbiotic association of the mycelium of a fungus, esp. a basidiomycete, with the roots of certain plants, in which the hyphae form a closely woven mass around the rootlets or penetrate the cells of the root.Also, mycorhiza. Also called fungus root.[1890-95; MYCO- + -RRHIZA]
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Product of close association between the branched, tubular filaments (hyphae) of a fungus and the roots of higher plants.The association usually enhances the nutrition of both the host plant and the fungal symbiont. The establishment and growth of certain plants (e.g., citrus plants, orchids, pines) depends on mycorrhizae; other plants survive but do not flourish without their fungal symbionts.* * *
▪ biologyalso spelled Mycorhiza,an intimate association between the branched, tubular filaments (hyphae) of a fungus (kingdom Fungi) and the roots of higher plants. The association is usually of mutual benefit (symbiotic): a delicate balance between host plant and symbiont results in enhanced nutritional support for each member. The establishment and growth of certain plants (e.g., citrus, orchids, pines) is dependent on mycorrhiza; other plants survive but do not flourish without their fungal symbionts. The two main types of mycorrhiza are endotrophic, in which the fungus invades the hosts' roots (e.g., orchids), and ectotrophic, in which the fungus forms a mantle around the smaller roots (e.g., pines). Exploitation of these natural associations can benefit forestry, horticulture, and other plant industries.* * *
Universalium. 2010.