Ectomycorrhizal fungi growth

The effect of flavonoids on spore germination and hyphal growth of ecto-mycorrhizal fungi is poorly known. However, several metabolites relea.sed by the plant roots trigger events leading to their infection (44,55). In the saprotrophic phase, spores of several ectomycorrhizal fungi respond to stimulation by abietic acid, the diterpene resin acid, in root exudates (56). 

The growth of ectomycorrhizal trees is frequently improved by their increased phosphorus (P) accumulation (3), and this, in turn, is related to the intensity of the mycorrhizal infection. Ectomycorrhizal fungi solubilize insoluble forms of A1 and Ca phosphates as well as inositol hexaphosphates, though a wide interstrain variability has been recorded (112). These complex P forms are digested by the secretion of extracellular acid and alkaline phosphomono- and phosphodi-ester-ases. Pi in soil solutions is easily taken up by ectomycorrhizal hyphae and then translocated to the host roots. Its absorption and efflux are probably regulated... 

Rosling, A., Lindahl, B. D., Taylor, A. F. S. Finlay, R. D. (2004b). Mycelial growth and substrate acidification of ectomycorrhizal fungi in response to different minerals. 

Unestam, T. (1991). Water repellency, mat formation, and leaf-stimulated growth of some ectomycorrhizal fungi. Mycorrhiza, 1, 13-20. 

Wallander, H., Nilsson, L. O., Hagerberg, D. Baath, E. (2001). Estimation of the biomass and seasonal growth of external mycelium of ectomycorrhizal fungi in the field. 

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