Review article
https://doi.org/10.15177/seefor.25-19
Mycorrhiza: The Importance of This Hidden Network
Anton Brenko
orcid.org/0000-0003-3436-7698
; Croatian Forest Research Institute, Research Center for Forest Ecosystem Goods and Services “Josip Ressel”, 154. brigade Hrvatske vojske bb, HR-52000 Pazin, Croatia
*
Ivana Zegnal
; Croatian Forest Research Institute, Division for Forest Ecology, Cvjetno naselje 41, HR-10450 Jastrebarsko, Croatia
Jasnica Medak
; Croatian Forest Research Institute, Division for Forest Ecology, Cvjetno naselje 41, HR-10450 Jastrebarsko, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Mycorrhizal symbiosis represents a mutualistic association between fungi and plant roots which significantly impacts terrestrial ecosystems. Mycorrhizal fungi enhance plant nutrient acquisition, especially phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N). In contrast, plants hand over carbon (C) from photosynthesis, making mycorrhizal fungi relevant in P, N and C cycling in forest ecosystems. Furthermore, they can improve soil health, water absorption, and plant defense against environmental stress. Besides nutrient exchange, mycorrhizal symbiosis facilitates plant communication, creating a hidden underground mycorrhizal network, known as common mycorrhizal network (CMN). Arbuscular mycorrhizae and ectomycorrhizae, together with ericoid mycorrhizae, are the most geographically widespread mycorrhizal types, colonizing over 85% of vascular plants in terrestrial ecosystems. Understanding mycorrhizal dynamics can be useful for improving forestry, agriculture and climate change mitigation activities. This review paper analyzes the mechanisms and benefits of mycorrhiza.
Keywords
black truffles; mycorrhizal fungi; plant nutrition; root fungi; seedling inoculation; soil health
Hrčak ID:
340877
URI
Publication date:
31.12.2025.
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