Question

We talked about the mutualistic, symbiotic relationships many plants have with mycorrhize fungi. Cucumbers are known to have a relationship with mycorrhizal fungi. In light of this, how would you expect growth rates to differ between a cucumber plant grown with mycorrhizal fungi and one grown without. How are mycorrhizal fungi facilitating this difference?

Answer 1

Answer: Cucumber with mycorrhiza exhibit better growth
Explanation:
Mycorrhizae represent symbiotic association between fungi and roots of higher plants.
It is a mutually beneficial interaction.
The plant provides the space and nutrition to the fungi.
The fungi helps the plant in many ways
1. They enhance the absorption of water and minerals by roots
2. They improve the soil structure and porosity there by allowing proper root growth
3. They may provide resistance to salt toxicity
4. Reduced root disease attack
5. They can help the plant in colonization of a barren soil