| Author | Helgason, T. & Fitter, A. |
| Year | 2005 |
| Title | The ecology and evolution of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi |
| Type | Paper |
| Source | Mycologist Vol 19 (3): 96-101. |
| Illustrations | Colour photomicrographs |
| Review (by Malcolm Storey) | AM fungi are very ancient (Devonian, 400m years b.p.). Photomicrographs of fossil and modern AM fungi are shown. AM fungi have been shown to protect a grass (Vulpia fasciculata) against a fungal pathogen (Fusarium oxysporum). In this case the mycorrhiza conferred no growth or nutrient (P) benefit. About 150 spp have been recognised on morphological grounds, and many of these have been shown to colonise the roots of any host plant that is normally mycorrhizal. These fungi are coenocytic and have polymorphic ribosomal DNA. |
| Notes & Purpose | Status | Taxon | English | Classification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current | GLOMEROMYCOTA | AM fungi | Fungi | |
| Current | Glomus | a genus of pea truffles | Fungi: Glomerales: Glomeraceae | |
| Current | Vulpia fasciculata | Dune Fescue | Plantae: Poales: Poaceae |
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