Question 1

What are mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Mycorrhizal fungi are tiny living things that help plants grow better by forming a special partnership with their roots. They are like friendly helpers for plants.

Question 2

How do mycorrhizal fungi help plants?

Accepted Answer

Mycorrhizal fungi help plants by giving them water and nutrients from the soil. In return, the plants give the fungi food made from sunlight.

Question 3

Why do plants need mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Plants need mycorrhizal fungi because they help them reach more water and nutrients, which can be hard to do on their own. This makes plants stronger and helps them grow better.

Question 4

Do all plants have mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Not all plants have mycorrhizal fungi, but many do. Trees, flowers, and some garden plants often team up with these fungi.

Question 5

Can plants grow without mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Plants can grow without mycorrhizal fungi, but they usually don’t grow as well. Having fungi partners helps plants be healthier and stronger.

Question 6

Where do mycorrhizal fungi live?

Accepted Answer

Mycorrhizal fungi live in the soil, right next to plant roots. They like to be close so they can easily share water and nutrients with the plant.

Question 7

How do mycorrhizal fungi get food?

Accepted Answer

Mycorrhizal fungi get food from the plants they help. The plants make food using sunlight, and they share some of it with the fungi.

Question 8

Are mycorrhizal fungi good for the soil?

Accepted Answer

Yes, mycorrhizal fungi are very good for the soil. They help keep it healthy and full of nutrients, which is great for plants and other creatures living in the soil.

Question 9

Do mycorrhizal fungi help all types of plants equally?

Accepted Answer

Mycorrhizal fungi help many types of plants, but not always equally. Some plants benefit a lot more from these fungi than others.

Question 10

What do mycorrhizal fungi look like?

Accepted Answer

Mycorrhizal fungi are very tiny, and you usually can't see them with your eyes. If you could look at them with a microscope, they might look like thin threads or strings.

Question 11

How do mycorrhizal fungi find plant roots?

Accepted Answer

Mycorrhizal fungi are always searching for plant roots in the soil to team up with. When they find roots, they attach themselves to them and start helping the plant.

Question 12

Are mycorrhizal fungi and mushrooms the same?

Accepted Answer

Not exactly. Mushrooms are the part of some fungi we can see above ground, while mycorrhizal fungi are mostly in the soil and do not always make mushrooms.

Question 13

Can gardeners use mycorrhizal fungi to help their plants?

Accepted Answer

Yes, gardeners can use mycorrhizal fungi to help their plants grow better. These fungi can be added to the soil in gardens and farms.

Question 14

How do mycorrhizal fungi help plants during droughts?

Accepted Answer

During droughts, mycorrhizal fungi help plants by finding and bringing more water from the soil to the plant roots, helping them stay hydrated.

Question 15

What happens if there are no mycorrhizal fungi in the soil?

Accepted Answer

If there are no mycorrhizal fungi, plants might not be able to get enough nutrients and water. This can make it harder for them to grow well.

Question 16

How long have mycorrhizal fungi been around?

Accepted Answer

Mycorrhizal fungi have been around for a very long time, even before dinosaurs! They have helped plants grow on Earth for millions of years.

Question 17

Can mycorrhizal fungi help trees in forests?

Accepted Answer

Yes, mycorrhizal fungi are very important in forests. They help trees get enough nutrients and water to grow big and strong.

Question 18

Are mycorrhizal fungi alive?

Accepted Answer

Yes, mycorrhizal fungi are living organisms. They grow, eat, and help plants just like other living things.

Question 19

Do mycorrhizal fungi help plants make more flowers and fruits?

Accepted Answer

Yes, by helping plants grow healthy, mycorrhizal fungi can help them make more flowers and fruits. Healthy plants tend to produce more because they're stronger.

Question 20

What can people do to protect mycorrhizal fungi in their gardens?

Accepted Answer

People can protect mycorrhizal fungi by using natural gardening methods and avoiding too many chemicals. Keeping the soil healthy helps the fungi and the plants.

The Importance of Mycorrhizal Fungi in Plant Growth - 20 FAQs Explained Simply