Ericoid mycorrhizal fungus

Lectin-hapten relationships are also important to the establishment of mycorrhizal relationships. In the ericoid mycorrhizal fungus Hymenoscyphus ericae there are binding sites specific for Concanavalin A in an extracellular matrix that surrounds hyphal walls (22,9 22.). When cultured in the presence of host roots the matrix and associated hapten (mannose) increase in abundance but gradually disappear after penetration and establishment of symbiosis (24.). Noninfective strains of the fungus lack the hapten even when grown in the presence of a potential host (2Sl). ... 

Sharpies, J.M., Meharg, A.A., Chambers, S.M., Caimey, J.W.G., 2000. Mechanism of arsenate resistance in the ericoid mycorrhizal fungus Hymenoscyphus ericae. Plaut Physiol. 124, 1327-1334. 

Figures 7 and 8 (7) Hair root of Calhma vulgaris colonized by an ericoid mycorrhizal strain. The asconiycetous fungus is a dark sterile mycelium and produces an intercellular coil, which is surrounded by the host membrane. X 15,000. (8) Detail of an orchid root cell colonized by an orchid symbiont. The basidiomycetous fungus (F) has a thick wall and is surrounded by the host membrane (H). X21.000.

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