Ericoid mycorrhizal association: ability to adapt to a broad range of habitats |
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Authors: | Derek T Mitchell Brian R Gibson |
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Institution: | a UCD School of Biological and Environmental Science, UCD Science Education and Research Centre(west), University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland b School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK |
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Abstract: | Ericoid mycorrhizal fungi are symbiotically associated with the roots of members of the Ericaceae which include genera such as Calluna, Epacris, Erica, Rhododendron and Vaccinium. These ericoid mycorrhizal associations have adapted to a broad range of habitats, from mor humus soils of the northern hemisphere to sandy soils occurring in the southern hemisphere. They also play an important part in enabling plants like Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull in the northern hemisphere to colonize mine spoils which are inhospitable environments of toxic waste for growth of most plants. The mechanisms of utilizing complex forms of nitrogen and phosphorus and providing protection against toxic metals are described. These mechanisms carried out by ericoid mycorrhizal associations enable host plants to establish in diverse habitats. |
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Keywords: | Ericaceae Ericoid endophyte Hymenoscyphus ericae Mine spoil Mor humus heathlands Oidiodendron sp Scytalidium vaccinii |
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