130.Mycorrhiza exhibits the phenomenon of (a) parasitism (b) symbiosis (c) antagonism (d) endemism.
Option B Association between roots of higher plants e.g., pine, birch and fungal hyphae is called mycorrhiza. It exhibits the phenomenon of symbiosis. Here both the organisms in association are mutually benefitted. In this, fungal hyphae take nutrition from the plant and in return increase surface area for absorption of water and minerals for the plant. Mycorrhizal roots occur in superficial layers of the soil. They are thick, irregular with wooly covering devoid of root hairs and root cap. They are of two types ectomycorrhiza and endomycorrhiza. In the roots of Pinus is seen ectotrophic mycorrhiza as the root hairs are poorly developed.
