Mycorrhizal symbioses are widespread and fundamental components of terrestrial ecosystems and have shaped plant evolution. Features such topics as plant/fungal communication, the interaction of mycorrhizal fungi with other soil microorganisms, and the use of mycorrhizal fungi in plant-production systems.
The roots of most plants are colonized by symbiotic fungi to form mycorrhiza, which play a critical role in the capture of nutrients from the soil and therefore in plant nutrition. Mycorrhizal Symbiosis is recognized as the definitive work in this area. Since the last edition was published there have been major advances in the field, particularly in the area of molecular biology, and the new edition has been fully revised and updated to incorporate these exciting new developments. - Over 50% new material - Includes expanded color plate section - Covers all aspects of mycorrhiza - Presents new taxonomy - Discusses the impact of proteomics and genomics on research in this area
This book endeavors to explore the role of different groups of microbes in the biodiversity enrichment, forest productivity, land restoration, agricultural productivity and green technology. In this book emphasis is mainly given on mutualistic interactions especially on plant Mycorrhizae and Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR).
The book is a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the subject. The book will be useful to students, teachers and researchers interested in microbiology, biotechnology, natural resource management, organic farming and sustainable agriculture, horticulture and forestry.
Ectomycorrhizal fungi play multifunctional roles during symbioses with higher plants. They can serve as bioprotectors, biofertilizers, bioremediators and stress indicators. Further, they are the true “mycoindicators” of forest ecosystems, where an enormous diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi can be found. Some ectomycorrhizal fungi also produce edible sporocarps, i.e., fruiting bodies, which are important for the food industry. Ectomycorrhizal fungi also produce various metal chelating molecules, which are of remarkable biotechnological significance and which also secrete useful secondary metabolites. Molecular approaches are required for the identification and differentiation of fungi forming symbioses with higher plants, while molecular tools are important to understand how genes are expressed during symbiosis with higher plants. Students, researchers and teachers of botany, mycology, microbiology, forestry, and biotechnology will find a valuable source of information in this Soil Biology volume.
This book is intended to provide both students and researchers with a broad background to some of the fastest developing areas in current applied mycology. A range of contributions are given to highlight the diverse nature of current applied mycology research. The opening chapter of this volume provides some examples of how mycology is often neglected, and presents a case for considering mycology as a megascience. The subsequent chapters have been loosely grouped into four sections in order to reflect the wider 'customers' or context of the particular mycological areas or activities. In each section, contributions that show either new applications or developments of well-established technology, or novel research into new technology or environments are included. The section on environment, agriculture and forestry is represented by contributions that illustrate novel fungal associations or new aspects of well-known interactions. The section on foods and medicine reflects the long history of applied mycology in the manufacture of alcoholic beverages, with two chapters devoted to beer production and winery spoilage issues. Chapters in the section on biotechnology and emerging science reflect some of the current interests in fungal enzymes and their importance in broader environmental processes and applications.
This book presents an exhaustive overview of the theoretical foundations and practical applications of biocontrol in agriculture. It encompasses all kinds of nature-based approaches for crop protection: introduction and conservation of natural enemies, release of sterile insects, enhancement of plant defenses, use of microorganisms, biopesticides, and semiochemicals. Cutting-edge knowledge in population biology, microbial ecology, epidemiology and chemical ecology is presented in accessible terms. The potential of field application is discussed with regard to practical aspects but also socioeconomic constraints. The 62 authors are researchers from a large panel of disciplines, from theoretical biology to social sciences.
This volume explores the various functions and potential applications of mycorrhizas, including topics such as the dynamics of root colonization, soil carbon sequestration and the function of mycorrhizas in extreme environments. Some contributions focus on the use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in various crop production processes, including soil management practices, their use as biofertilizers and in relation to medicinal plants. Other chapters elucidate the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the alleviation of plant water stress and of heavy metal toxicity, in the remediation of saline soils, in mining-site rehabilitation and in the reforestation of degraded tropical forests. In addition to their impact in ecosystems, the economic benefits of applying arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are discussed. A final chapter describes recent advances in the cultivation of edible mycorrhizal mushrooms.