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Behaviour of the Hyphae of Laccaria Laccata in the Presence of Trichoderma Harzianum in Vitro

Summary

This research examines how two different types of fungi interact with each other around plant roots in laboratory conditions. The study reveals that these fungi engage in competitive behaviors, with one type (Laccaria laccata) showing aggressive growth patterns toward the other (Trichoderma harzianum). Understanding these interactions is crucial for plant health and ecosystem management. Impacts on everyday life: • Helps improve forest management and tree health • Contributes to understanding natural pest control in gardens and agriculture • Advances our knowledge of beneficial fungi in plant growth • Could lead to better sustainable farming practices

Background

Understanding interactions between mycorrhizal and saprobic fungi is important for plant health and ecosystem functioning. The behavior of fungal hyphae during these interactions provides insights into fungal competition and symbiotic relationships.

Objective

To investigate the growth rate and behavior of Laccaria laccata and Trichoderma harzianum hyphae in co-culture and in the rhizosphere of Pinus sylvestris seedlings grown in vitro.

Results

In the interaction zone, L. laccata hyphae became more pigmented and formed short branches that grew towards and coiled around T. harzianum hyphae, occasionally penetrating them. T. harzianum showed signs of stress including protoplasm granulation and wall breaks. In the rhizosphere, L. laccata mantle hyphae tended to surround T. harzianum conidia, though direct penetration was not observed. Some L. laccata hyphae showed wrinkles and partial degradation of mucilaginous mantle material.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates complex interactions between mycorrhizal L. laccata and saprobic T. harzianum, with evidence of antagonistic behavior and structural modifications in both fungi when grown together.
  • Published in:Mycorrhiza,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Study,
  • Source: 10.1007/s00572-004-0323-4
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