The Ecology of Mycorrhizae

ISBN-13: 9780521335539 / Angielski / Miękka / 1991 / 200 str.

Michael F. Allen; H. J. B. Birks; J. A. Wiens

Opis

A great many terrestrial plants live in close association with fungi. The features of this association known as mycorrhiza, are those of a mutualistic symbiosis. Almost all plants form mycorrhizae whereby the fungus provides soil resources to the plant in exchange for energy manufactured 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 mechanisms for plant survival as individuals and populations, for community structure, and for ecosystem functioning. It integrates information on organisms interacting with mycorrhizae from bacteria to mammals. The author takes a unique evolutionary/ecological approach to describe how and under what conditions mycorrhizae influence basic ecological processes. The applications of mycorrhizal symbioses range from managing natural and agricultural lands to biotechnological processes that enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Recenzje

"...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

Spis treści

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.