Why is fungal diversity important?

Why is fungal diversity important?

Fungal populations are strongly influenced by the diversity and composition of the plant community and in return affect plant growth through mutualism, pathogenicity and their effect on nutrient availability and cycling (Wardle, 2002; Wagg et al., 2014; Hannula et al., 2017).

How do fungal endophytes differ from mycorrhizal fungi?

Mycorrhiza” describes a type of fungus that has a mutualistic relationship with plant roots. While , “Endophyte” describes a fungus that lives within above-ground healthy plant tissue and doesn’t seem to harm it.

What is the function of fungi?

Like bacteria, fungi play an essential role in ecosystems because they are decomposers and participate in the cycling of nutrients by breaking down organic and inorganic materials to simple molecules. Fungi often interact with other organisms, forming beneficial or mutualistic associations.

What important role do fungi play in the environment?

Fungi are important decomposers in ecosystems, ensuring that dead plants and animals are broken down into smaller molecules that can be used by other members of the ecosystem. Without fungi, decaying organic matter would accumulate in the forest.

What are endophytes give its importance to host plant?

Endophytes may benefit host plants by preventing pathogenic organisms from colonizing them. Extensive colonization of the plant tissue by endophytes creates a “barrier effect,” where the local endophytes outcompete and prevent pathogenic organisms from taking hold.

What are the two types of mycorrhizae how are they distinguished?

There are two major types of mycorrhizae, the ectomycorrhizae (also called ectotropic mycorrhizae; ecto, meaning “outside”) and the endomycorrhizae (endotropic mycorrhizae; endo, meaning “inside”), that are distinguished on the basis of whether or not the fungus penetrates the root cells.