Based on anatomical characteristics, a distinction is made between endomycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal fungi. In endomycorrhizal fungi, the fungal spores penetrate directly into the cells of the roots in order to form nutritional organs there. Endomycorrhiza occurs mainly in herbaceous plants, but also in tropical trees. In contrast, our native forest and park trees are almost all associated with ectomycorrhizal fungi. The ectomycorrhizal fungal spores do not penetrate the roots, but weave a web around them. The effects of mycorrhizal symbiosis on the plant are as follows: Mycorrhization of the roots increases the root surface area by up to a hundred times. This results in increased water and nutrient uptake in the plant, particularly of phosphorus, nitrogen and microelements, and also regulates protein metabolism. This results in much better growth than a non-mycorrhizal plant. Tolerance to various stress situations such as drought stress and waterlogging also increases. The plant also becomes more tolerant of oversalination and diseases, as well as increased photosynthetic performance.
