The Ecology of Mycorrhizae

Michael F. Allen (Author)

9780521335539, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 25 April 1991

200 pages, 51 b/w illus. 1 table
22.8 x 15.3 x 1.8 cm, 0.336 kg

"...will make an important contribution to the field of mycorrhizal research. It is also a must for the restoration ecologist who will learn that mycorrhizae are not a panacea, but rather a means of integrating whole systems." R. Michael Miller, Restoration & Management Notes

A great many terrestrial plants live in close association with fungi. The features of this association, which is known as mycorrhiza, are those of a mutualistic symbiosis. Almost all plants from mycorrhizae whereby the fungus provides soil resources to the plant in exchange for energy provided by the plant. The symbiosis means greater productivity under stress for the plant and a steady energy supply for the fungus. This book addresses the diverse and complex ways in which mycorrhizae affect the mechanism for plant survival as individuals and populations, for community structure and functioning. An evolutionary/ecological approach is used to describe how and under what conditions mycorrhizal symbioses range from managing natural and agricultural lands to biotechnological processes that enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. The Ecology of Mycorrhizae will be an invaluable book, applicable to all levels of theoretical and applied research in agronomy, botany, ecology, environmental microbiology, and plant pathology.

List of figures
Preface
1. Introduction
2. Structure-functioning relationships
3. Evolution
4. Physiological and population biology
5. Community ecology
6. Ecosystem dynamics
7. Mycorrhizae and succession
8. Future directions for mycorrhizal research
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Plant ecology [PSTS], Mycology, fungi [non-medical PSQ], Ecological science, the Biosphere [PSAF]