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Re: Wood betony

Michael;
The relationship you refer to occurs between plants (both woody and
herbaceous) and certain types of soil fungi and is referred to as the
"mycorrhizal" symbiosis. Most plants are mycorrhizal (or potentially
mycorrhizal) in their native, or unmanaged, state - for some the
relationship is necessary for survival. The fungal partner receives all of
its carbon from plant photosynthate and in return, greatly enhances uptake
of nutrients and water by the plant. There is also considerable evidence
that the fungi play a role in disease resistance.

Notice I said "most" plants, however. There are a few plant families that
are seldom or never mycorrhizal: Brassicaceae, Juncaceae, Chenopodiceae for
certain, and I believe also Scrophulariaceae..If I'm correct about the
latter (and I'll see if I can find out tomorrow when I'm back at work and
have access to books) than Pedicularis is not mycorrhizal. Stachys, on the
other hand, is a Labiate and is at least potentially mycorrhizal. 

The best source of fungal inoculum is soil in which the plants grow
naturally, but there are now a few commercial sources of mycorrhizal fungal
inoculum. 

May I ask why you ask?

Cheers,

Gerry



At 05:57 PM 5/17/98 +1000, you wrote:
>Does anyone know of a symbiotic relationship between wood betony and a type
>of root fungus?
>If so is this with Stachys officinalis or Pedicularis canadensis?
>Any help would be appreciated
>
>Michael Bailes.
>The Fragrant Garden, Portsmouth Road, Erina. N.S.W. 2250 Australia. (OZ)
> Int fax 61 243 651979  Phone 61 243 677322
> EMAIL: frgntgar@ozemail.com.au
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