Mutual symbiosis of fungi and roots of higher plants is called mycorrhiza. Under this process, the fungus completely forms a cover around the outside of the root of the plants with its fibers. Fungal filaments enter the intercellular space between the cortex cells of the plant root and form a net-like structure called hartig net. There are no root hairs on the root of the plant. The main function of the fungal root is to aid in the absorption of mineral salt (phosphorus). The absorption area of the root increases due to the fungus.
Main advantages of Mycorrhiza :
1. Resistance to root-borne pathogens.
2. Fungal roots increase the fertility of the soil.
3. Due to fungal root, the growth of the plants gets faster and production increases.
4. Absorption of mineral salts and other nutrients takes place easily and in large amount. That's why plants does not have to depend on external nutrients.
5. Synthesis of O2 increases.
6. The absorption surface increases due to the fungus in the mycellium.
7. This relationship is necessary for seed germination in some plants.
8. Due to fungal root, the plant’s dependency on fertilizers is reduced and the money can be saved.
9. Tolerence towards salinity and drought increases in the plant.
10. Pine plant sometimes rot away in lacking of fungal relationship, hence this relationship is helpful in forest construction.
11. Due to ectotrophic fungal root, many plants do not get infected by pythium, phytophthora, fusauum etc.