Fiber, food, fuel, and fungal symbionts

Journal Article · Fri Oct 26 04:00:00 EDT 1979 · Science; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1126/science.206.4417.419· OSTI ID:5824939

Ruehle, J L; Marx, D H

Virtually all plants of economic importance form mycorrhizae. These absorbing organs of higher plants result from a symbiotic union of beneficial soil fungi and feeder roots. In forestry, the manipulation of fungal symbionts ecologically adapted to the planting site can increase survival and growth of forest trees, particularly on adverse sites. Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae, which occur not only on many trees but also on most cultivated crops, are undoubtedly more important to world food crops. Imperatives for mycorrhizal research in forestry and agriculture are (i) the development of mass inoculum of mycorrhizal fungi, (ii) the interdisciplinary coordination with soil management, plant breeding, cultivation practices, and pest control to ensure maximum survival and development of fungal symbionts in the soil, and (iii) the institution of nursery and field tests to determine the circumstances in which mycorrhizae benefit plant growth in forestry and agri-ecosystems.

• Research Organization: Department of Agriculture, Athens, GA
• OSTI ID: 5824939
• Journal Information: Science; (United States), Journal Name: Science; (United States) Vol. 206; ISSN SCIEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
140504 -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Biomass Production & Conversion-- (-1989)
553000* -- Agriculture & Food Technology
60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES
BIOMASS PLANTATIONS
CULTIVATION
FORESTS
FUNGI
GROWTH
MYCORRHIZAS
OPTIMIZATION
PEST CONTROL
PLANTS
ROOT ABSORPTION
SOILS
SYMBIOSIS
TREES
UPTAKE