Lifespan and functionality of mycorrhizal fungal mycelium are uncoupled from host plant lifespan.

ABSTRACT: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are obligate symbionts, living in associations with the roots of most land plants. AMF produce wide networks of extraradical mycelium (ERM) of indeterminate length, spreading from host roots into the surrounding soil and establishing belowground interconnections among plants belonging to the same or to different taxa. Whether their lifespan and functionality are limited by host plant viability or can be extended beyond this limit is unknown. To address this issue, we performed time-course studies to investigate viability and functionality of ERM produced in an in vivo whole-plant system by Funneliformis mosseae and Rhizoglomus irregulare, after shoot detachment. Our data revealed that viability and functionality of F. mosseae and R. irregulare extraradica

SUBMITTER: Pepe A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6035242 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature