Question

Which forest plant shows stunted growth if deprived of root associations with fungus?

Answer 1

Mycorrhiza:

1. Mycorrhiza is a mutual association that is symbiotic in nature, between a plant and fungus.
2. The term mycorrhiza refers to the role of fungus in the plant's rhizosphere.
3. They play a significant role in plant nutrition and soil physiology.
4. The distribution of mycorrhizal forms in ecosystems is related to the distribution of host plant, climatic and soil conditions.

Example of plants showing stunted growth in absence of fungi association:

1. The forest tree pine is known to show mycorrhizal association with fungus.
2. In absence of fungus, the Pine trees lack nutrition resulting in stunted growth.