Mycorrhizal Symbiosis / Edition 3

by Sally E. Smith, David J. Read

Overview

Mycorrhizal Symbiosis, Third Edition provides a comprehensive account of the most significant and widespread plant-fungus symbioses in terrestrial ecosystems - mycorrhizas. These beneficial associations between fungi and roots play critical roles in the uptake of nutrients from soil, allowing plants to access a wide variety of chemical forms and influencing their competitive interactions. Plant scientists in all disciplines from molecular biology to systems ecology need to appreciate the critical role these plant-fungus associations play in the life of plants.

Written by acknowledged world leaders in the field, this new edition has been completely revised and updated although the format of the previous editions has been retained. Core chapters synthesize the current state of knowledge of the major mycorrhizal types, each of which outlines the way the symbiosis develops and functions at cellular, molecular and physiological levels. Major advances, underpinned by molecular and cell biology, are integrated into these accounts and new chapters have been added to highlight new work on symbioses in achlorophyllous plants and in lower land plants. Roles of mycorrhizas in plant function in broader contexts are covered in chapters on the major global biomes, in ecological interactions and in primary production.

Researchers, teachers and university students with an interest in fungi, in fungus-plant interactions, in plant biology and plant nutrition, as well as ecology will find this book invaluable.

About the Author:
Sally E. Smith FAA Soil and Land Systems, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Waite Campus, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide,Australia

About the Author:
David Read FRS Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780123705266
Publisher:	Elsevier Science
Publication date:	04/23/2008
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	800
Product dimensions:	6.50(w) x 9.50(h) x 1.70(d)

Table of Contents

Section 1 Arbuscular Mycorrhizas 1. The Symbionts Forming Arbuscular Mycorrhizas 2. Colonization of Roots and Anatomy of Arbuscular Mycorrhizas 3. Genetic, Cellular and Molecular Interactions in the Establishment of Arbuscular Mycorrhizas 4. Growth and Carbon Economy of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbionts 5. Mineral Nutrition, Toxic Element Accumulation and Water Relations of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Plants

Section 2 Ectomycorrhizas 6. Structure and Development of Ectomycorrhizal Roots 7. Ectendo- and Arbutoid Mycorrhizas 8. Growth and Carbon Allocation of Ectomycorrhizal Symbionts 9. Nitrogen Mobilization and Nutrition in Ectomycorrhizal Plants 10. Phosphorus and Base Cation Nutrition, Heavy Metal Accumulation and Water Relations of Ectomycorrhizal Plants

Section 3 Ericoid, Orchid and Mycoheterotrophic Mycorrhizas 11. Ericoid Mycorrhizas 12. Mycorrhizas of Green Orchids 13. Mycorrhizas in Achlorophyllous Plants (Mycoheterotrophs) 14. Fungal Symbioses in Lower Land Plants

Section 4 Functioning of Mycorrhizas in Broader Contexts 15. The Roles of Mycorrhizas in Successional Processes and in Selected Biomes 16. Mycorrhizas in Ecological Interactions 17. Mycorrhizas in Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry

Editorial Reviews

from:reviews of the first edition
"...Of value to students and researchers alike.... An immensely scholarly work. The book will be essential reading for all students in the mycorrhizal discipline." —NEW PHYTOLOGIST

"...A classic in its field. A most comprehensive and up-to-date review.... Compulsive reading...." —JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY

"...Lucid writing, together with obvious enthusiasm for the subject, make this book pleasurable and stimulating to read. There is no doubt that it will indeed be essential reading for the increasing number of people studying mycorrhizals in many parts of the world..." —THE BIOLOGISTS

"...It is difficult to see how this book could be bettered." —SOCIETY OF GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY QUARTERLY
"This is a book that can be used by a wide readership, from students to researchers alike, to learn in detail about such a widespread symbiosis. The appeal to a relatively diverse audience is facilitated by the beautifully written text, the excellent figures and plates (only one has to see the cover for an example) and the way general principles are illustrated with sufficient but not overwhelming detail from the cited references. I was compelled to read further and further into the book by the synthesis of existing information followed by the large number of suggestions for future work. In summary, this is a superb book. It must be the current seminal work on mycorrhizas and no mycologist or soil or plant ecologist should be without a copy. I am looking forward to the third edition!" —JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY

"The volume's greatest strength lies in its depth of information, which allows the reader to at once equate aspects of different mycorrhizal associations, as in general themes section, whilst seeing their disparity. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to any with an interest in mycorrhizal research, whatever their level. Indeed, it would provide both informative and thought-provoking reading to those working on any aspect of plant, and especially root, biology, and should be considered an essential addition to the library." —John D. James in PLANT GROWTH REGULATION

From the Publisher