Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus
Funneliformis mosseae (formerly Glomus mosseae)
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Complete Taxonomy
Description
Funneliformis mosseae (previously Glomus mosseae) is one of the most well-studied arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. It forms mutualistic symbioses with roots of most plant species, creating highly branched arbuscules within root cells for nutrient exchange. This ancient relationship improves plant phosphorus uptake, drought tolerance, and disease resistance. Commercially produced as biofertilizer for agriculture and horticulture.
Physical Characteristics
Distribution
Worldwide in diverse ecosystems
Habitat
Forms arbuscular mycorrhizae with roots of herbs, grasses, vegetables, and many other plants. Found in agricultural, grassland, and forest soils globally.
Ecological Role
Essential mutualistic symbiont improving plant phosphorus and nitrogen uptake, water relations, and disease resistance. Connects plants via common mycelial network facilitating resource sharing. Critical for ecosystem function and plant community structure.
Medicinal & Nutritional Properties
- Not directly medicinal but improves nutritional quality of crops
- Enhances plant uptake of minerals important for human nutrition
Cultural Significance
Model organism for AM fungi research. Increasingly important in sustainable agriculture movement. Commercial biofertilizer reducing need for chemical fertilizers.
Fascinating Facts
- Cannot be cultured without living plant roots
- Forms symbiosis with ~80% of plant species
- Improves plant phosphorus uptake by 10-100x
- Hyphal networks extend root access by 1000x volume
- Relationship dates back 400+ million years
- One fungal network can connect dozens of plants
- Reduces fertilizer needs in agriculture by 30-50%
- Single spore contains hundreds of genetically distinct nuclei