OK. Now we know about bacteria. What role does fungi play in the life of the plant?
As you see in the photo, fungi usually grow as long threads or strands called hyphae. They grow between soil particles, roots, and rocks. They can grow in length from a few cells, to the length of many yards. Fungi have many benefits. Their long hyphae strands are attached to the plant’s root, and draw up moisture from the soil. The more fungal hyphae, the greater the ability for the plant to sustain itself in dry conditions. Fungi actually draw the nutrients held by the bacteria, into the root of the plant. This type of fungi are called “mycorrizal fungi”. Mycorrizal fungi are like the “bouncer” to the “root bar”. They only allow the benefitial nutrients to pass through to the plant. They fight off pathogenic bacteria and other pathogenic fungi. They basically cover the roots like a glove, and protect the plant.
