The roots of most plants are colonized by symbiotic fungi to form mycorrhiza, which play a critical role in the capture of nutrients from the soil and therefore in plant nutrition. Mycorrhizal Symbiosis is recognized as the definitive work in this area. Since the last edition was published there have been major advances in the field, particularly in the area of molecular biology, and the new edition has been fully revised and updated to incorporate these exciting new developments.
Section 1 Arbuscular Mycorrhizas
1. The Symbionts Forming Arbuscular Mycorrhizas
2. Colonization of Roots and Anatomy of Arbuscular Mycorrhizas
3. Genetic, Cellular and Molecular Interactions in the Establishment of Arbuscular Mycorrhizas
4. Growth and Carbon Economy of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbionts
5. Mineral Nutrition, Toxic Element Accumulation and Water Relations of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Plants
Section 2 Ectomycorrhizas
6. Structure and Development of Ectomycorrhizal Roots
7. Ectendo- and Arbutoid Mycorrhizas
8. Growth and Carbon Allocation of Ectomycorrhizal Symbionts
9. Nitrogen Mobilization and Nutrition in Ectomycorrhizal Plants
10. Phosphorus and Base Cation Nutrition, Heavy Metal Accumulation and Water Relations of Ectomycorrhizal Plants
Section 3 Ericoid, Orchid and Mycoheterotrophic Mycorrhizas
11. Ericoid Mycorrhizas
12. Mycorrhizas of Green Orchids
13. Mycorrhizas in Achlorophyllous Plants (Mycoheterotrophs)
14. Fungal Symbioses in Lower Land Plants
Section 4 Functioning of Mycorrhizas in Broader Contexts
15. The Roles of Mycorrhizas in Successional Processes and in Selected Biomes
16. Mycorrhizas in Ecological Interactions
17. Mycorrhizas in Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry
Reviews of previous editions:
" [...] Of value to students and researchers alike [...] An immensely scholarly work. The book will be essential reading for all students in the mycorrhizal discipline."
– New Phytologist
" [...] A classic in its field. A most comprehensive and up-to-date review [...] Compulsive reading [...] "
– Journal of Ecology
" [...] Lucid writing, together with obvious enthusiasm for the subject, make this book pleasurable and stimulating to read. There is no doubt that it will indeed be essential reading for the increasing number of people studying mycorrhizals in many parts of the world [...] "
– The Biologists
" [...] It is difficult to see how this book could be bettered."
– Society of General Microbiology Quarterly
"This is a book that can be used by a wide readership, from students to researchers alike, to learn in detail about such a widespread symbiosis. The appeal to a relatively diverse audience is facilitated by the beautifully written text, the excellent figures and plates (only one has to see the cover for an example) and the way general principles are illustrated with sufficient but not overwhelming detail from the cited references. I was compelled to read further and further into the book by the synthesis of existing information followed by the large number of suggestions for future work. In summary, this is a superb book. It must be the current seminal work on mycorrhizas and no mycologist or soil or plant ecologist should be without a copy. I am looking forward to the third edition!"
– Journal of Ecology
"The volume's greatest strength lies in its depth of information, which allows the reader to at once equate aspects of different mycorrhizal associations, as in general themes section, whilst seeing their disparity. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to any with an interest in mycorrhizal research, whatever their level. Indeed, it would provide both informative and thought-provoking reading to those working on any aspect of plant, and especially root, biology, and should be considered an essential addition to the library."
–John D. James in Plant Growth Regulation