Why do plants need mycorrhizae?

What does mycorrhizae do to plants?

Mycorrhizae are symbiotic relationships between plants and fungi. The fungi invade the root system of host plants, increasing water and nutrient absorption abilities. While the plant provides carbohydrates from photosynthesis, the fungus colonizes the plant's root system.

What are mycorrhizae, and how important are they in certain plants? Mycorrhizae play a vital role in helping host plants absorb phosphorus as well as nitrogen, which are essential nutrients for plant growth. Mycorrhizae increase the surface area of the root, which allows for the plant to access nutrients and water that may not otherwise be possible.

This raises the question: Can plants survive without mycorrhizae, if this is true?

Numerous studies have shown that plants that do not have mycorrhizae are not able to cope with low mineral levels. Arbuscular mycorrhizae, also known as AM, are the most widespread and common of all mycorrhizae. They are found in approximately 85% to 90% of the world's plant species.

Are all plants mycorrhizae-friendly?

While most plant species can form mycorrhizal association, some families such as Brassicaceae or Chenopodiaceae are not able to. The next section will detail the different forms of the association . The arbuscular type is the most common, found in 70% of all plant species, which includes many crop plants like wheat and rice.