The micelium of some plant pathogenic fungi (e. g. Ustilago zeae) can spread from infected roots through free space (particularly, intercellulate ducts) to developing seeds. In such way, fungus is transfered from previous to next generation of plant.
I want to know, if the species of mycorrhizal fungi can be transmitted from the previous generations to the subsequent generations of plant as like as pathogenic species? If the transmission of mycorrhizal micelium really occurs, it can be the mechanism of the inheriting of the mycorrzal fungal strains, which have more adaptated to plant as compare to other strains. I imply the mechanism by which co-adaptation of plant genotype and mycorrhizal fungus' genotype must strengthen in the series of plant generation.
Chen J, Wang H, Guo SX. Isolation and identification of endophytic and mycorrhizal fungi from seeds and roots of Dendrobium (Orchidaceae). Mycorrhiza. 2012 May;22:297-307.:
"The seed germination of orchids under natural conditions requires association with mycorrhizal fungi. ... we isolated culturable endophytic and mycorrhizal fungi colonized in the protocorms* and adult roots of two species plants and identified them by morphological and molecular analyses (5.8S and nrLSU). Of the 127 endophytic fungi isolated, 11 Rhizoctonia-like strains were identified as Tulasnellales (three strains from protocorms of D. nobile), Sebacinales (three strains from roots of D. nobile and two strains from protocorms of D. chrysanthum) .... "
*Protocorm is the intermediate structure of orchid seeds and seedlings which is an organized shape, developed from the unorganized embryo (Penenchymatous cell mass of orchid seeds encoated by testa) of orchid seeds. https://www.researchgate.net/post/What-is-the-difference-between-a-protocorm-and-protocorm-like-bodies-PLBs-in-orchid-seed-germination
Mycorrhizal fungi are specialized in colonizing plant roots and spreading their mycelium into the soil. Until it is found and described, current knowledge of mycorrhizal fungi is limited to their occurrence in roots and soils.
Some plants produce seeds with limited resources and thus require fungal colonization upon germination. This doesn’t mean that the mycorrhizal fungi the need were included in the seeds. Rather, they get colonized by the fungi in their vicinity.
I'm old and long-retired, so out of date, but I believe the mycorrhizal symbiont of orchids is present in their seeds
When I was a student, my professor had a small business - he isolated from roots and germinating seeds, and produced mycorhizal symbionts to treat the seeds of various crops, mainly vegetables. Treatment was efficient, but fungal culture was loosing its properties after several months of growth in liquid medium
Interesting if orchid mycorrhiza stay in the seeds but arbuscular mycorrhiza and ectomycorrhiza might not. These are completely different types of mycorrhiza.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Filing