Probably, many were interested in what mushrooms enter into symbiosis with trees, how exactly this happens, why, on the basis of what preferences the choice is made and much more. Well, time to quench existing curiosity.
Introductory information
Initially, about the symbiosis of mushrooms and trees. This is not a new thing. The symbiosis of plants and fungi is more than one hundred million years old. More specifically, about 400 million! What is the essence of this phenomenon? Mycorrhizal endogribs have the property of penetrating the root of plants and the formation of mycelium. All this helps to strengthen the immune system, absorb water, nutrients from the soil, fight various pathogens of various diseases. Thanks to mushrooms, plants can use the available opportunities to the fullest. Without such a symbiosis, additional reserves would have to be spent on the growth of the root system instead of increasing the ground part. In addition, mycorrhiza improves the quality of the soil, its aeration and porosity. A true symbiosis.
What is the benefit?
Let's talk about it scientifically. Mycorrhiza is a symbiosis, that is, a mutually beneficial union between the roots of highly organized plants and fungi. In this case, different organisms form a single morphological whole. So the mushroom feeds the plant and vice versa.
There are two main types of mycorrhiza: endo and ecto. What is important to us? Ectomycorrhiza is the formation of basidiomycetes and ascomycetes, as a rule, in temperate forests. This is very important for their growth. Sometimes the symbiosis of mushrooms and trees is a matter of successful survival for both representatives. Although not always both species are found. For example, pinacoid trees never form fungal structures in the roots and intercortical layers. That is, they do not enter into the process of endomycorrhiza.
Why is symbiosis so important?
Man actively intervenes in natural processes. Chemical fertilizers are introduced, heavy equipment is applied, construction work is underway, pipelines, concrete, asphalt are being laid, water and air are polluted, dams are being built, soil is being cultivated, and the like. That is, plants are exposed to stress unprecedented for them before. This weakens the immune system and leads to death. It should be noted that symbiotic organisms have a number of interesting properties. So, for example, mushrooms can be obtained from the root of the tree with which they entered into a relationship.
How are they arranged?
External mycelium is responsible for receiving and transporting nutrients to the plant from the soil. Internal structures are involved in their transmission from the fungus to the plant. In addition, photosynthesis products are supplied in the opposite direction. It is worth mentioning about vesicles. These are special structures that serve fungi as organs of stockpiling. So, lipids can be used in case of photosynthesis deficiency. At the same time, spores of the fungus form in the external mycelium, although they can also in the roots. They are characterized by a long stay in the soil and service in the form of a sprout of a mushroom. When the time comes (suitable temperature, a certain soil moisture), then they try to enter into symbiosis with the roots. This process takes up to one week.
How important are they when forming a single soil mass?
Fertile lands are characterized by a stably high level of moisture in the soil. These are favorable conditions for the symbiosis of the fungus and tree roots to be created. Their interaction also binds and strengthens its components due to the intensive development of mycelium, extracellular polymer components, as well as glycoproteins. Consider the sandstone example. Mycorrhizal plants can grow in it. So, sand in their root system is about five times more connected than in similar biomass, which has not acquired symbiotic relationships.
Nutrient absorption
The symbiosis between mushrooms and trees allows for the accelerated development of the plant. So, if their aboveground part does not increase much, then changes in the root system are exactly happening. Mycorrhizal plants, as a rule, receive a more balanced diet, which helps to strengthen and maintain it in a healthy state. In addition, the resistance to a / biotic factors is also growing.
How does the absorption process look from a chemical point of view? This mainly depends on the absorption capacity of the root, the presence and distribution of nutrients, as well as the corresponding content of trace elements in the soil. Let's take a closer look. The ability to absorb ions with high mobility, such as NO3-, depends on the type of plant. While representatives of chemical elements with a low diffusion rate, such as Zn, P, NH4 + and others, are absorbed in direct proportion to the density of the root on the volume of the earth. And in such cases, the morphology of the root and the external mycelium prove to be decisive. This is the alpha and omega on which the symbiosis of mushrooms and trees rests.
Conclusion
Due to such a mutually beneficial existence, both representatives receive a number of advantages. The symbiosis of fungi and trees allows you to tolerate stress, drought, toxicity, acidity. And at the same time, it is difficult for underground residents to obtain the necessary products of photosynthesis. The mushroom forms a symbiosis with a tree in order to receive them. Under ideal conditions, the presence of these entities makes it possible to grow better, and increases the period of active life of both parties. In this case, there is a certain "specialization". So, for example, porcini mushroom likes to settle under oaks. But he does not tolerate the neighborhood of fruit trees in the best way.