AGTIV REACH® P for Landscaping & Nurseries

Both endomycorrhizae and ectomycorrhizae are symbiotic associations between fungi and plants. The fungi implied in these associations belong to the fungus kingdom and are present in all continents, but they differ in their taxa, morphologies and life cycle. Endomycorrhizal fungi appeared some 450 million years ago and the ecto later around 200 to 250 million years ago.

Endomycorrhizae comprises the AMF (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi), the ericoid, arbutoid, monotropoid and orchid mycorrhizae. The most abundant and prolific type of mycorrhizal fungus is the AMF which colonizes 80% of plant families and whose hyphae penetrate plant cortex cells, producing branching tree like structures called arbuscules, which greatly increase the contact surface area as a mean of nutrient exchange. In fact, the fungal hyphae do not penetrate the cell protoplast but invaginate the cell membrane (just like wearing a glove). The endo species are not plant specific and can colonize all receptive plant species. They are obligate symbionts, which means they need the presence of a plant to realize their life cycle and survive.

In contrast, ectomycorrhizae are typically formed between the fungus and the roots of around 7% of plant species, mostly woody plants including most conifers and some broadleaves such as oak, birch, beech and linden. Some are specific and symbiotic with only one species while others are generalists and form mycorrhizae with many different plants. Ectomycorrhizae consist of a hyphal mantle, covering the root tip with a Hartig net of hyphae surrounding root plant cells. Outside the root, the fungus forms an extensive network within soil and leaf litter. The fungus has a dual saprotrophic and biotrophic lifestyle that enables it to grow within both soil and living plant roots.