Survey of Mycorrhizal Colonization in Native, Open-Pollinated and Introduced, Hybrid Maize in Villages of Chiquimula, Guatemala

Authors

Jessica Hess, Brigham Young University
Dr. Von D. Jolley, Brigham Young University

Keywords

mycorrhizal colonization, maize, Guatemala, crops

College

Life Sciences

Department

Plant and Wildlife Sciences

Abstract

Mycorrhizae is a symbiotic association between certain species of soil fungi and the root systems of many land plants. Most economically important crops form this association. By colonizing plant roots, mycorrhizal fungi receive a carbon supply from photosynthesis in plant tissues. The plant, by reason of the fine, extracellular, hyphal network of the fungi, is lent a greatly improved access to soil nutrients (especially phosphorus), improves its water relations, and may receive some resistance to soil-borne diseases. Some scientists assert that optimal management of mycorrhizae is an essential part of sustainable agricultural systems (1).

Recommended Citation

Hess, Jessica and Jolley, Dr. Von D. (2013) "Survey of Mycorrhizal Colonization in Native, Open-Pollinated and Introduced, Hybrid Maize in Villages of Chiquimula, Guatemala," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 1592.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1592