I. Pathogenic variation in fungi and bacteria and mycorrhizal compatibility: Intraspecific variation in a mycorrhizal association

Laboratory studies with combinations of the fly agaric, Amanita muscaria (L. ex Fries) Hooker and birch (Betula pendula (Roth.)) suggest that the genetical control of mycorrhizal formation has features in common with the legume/Rhizobium symbiosis. There are at least four factors that can be genetically controlled by either the host or the fungus: (a) mycorrhizal formation; (b) the extent of mycorrhizal development; (c) the pattern of mycorrhizal branching, and (d) the shape and size of the host root system.