The Importance of Mycorrhiza for Roots

K.G. MUKERJI, R. JAGPAL, M. BALI and REKHA RANI, 1988. The importance of mycorrhiza for roots Roots of mycorrhizal plants are highly branched and comparatively thicker than normal roots. Thus they have increased surface area, and the hyphal strands coming out from it further extend the soil volume penetrated so that more of the soils pool of immobile elements like phosphorus is utilised. Mycorrhizal plants show improved growth, and development, mostly because of increased mineral nutrient uptake. The mycorrhizal roots are more efficient than the normal root in terms of uptake. They also live longer and are less susceptible to diseases than non-mycorrhizal roots.