Mycorrhizal Associations in Ericaceous Plants

Ericaceous plants, including heathers, blueberries and rhododendrons, are adapted to acidic, nutrient-poor soils through specialised fungal partnerships known as ericoid mycorrhizae. These associations are typified by dense hyphal coils formed within the rhizodermal cells of fine hair roots, enabling the mobilisation and transfer of nitrogen, phosphorus and complex organic compounds that would otherwise be inaccessible. Beyond the well-characterised Ascomycete symbionts, recent work has revealed a broader diversity of fungal lineages—such as members of the Helotiales—that engage in both true mycorrhizal and mycorrhizal-like interactions. In some cases, ectomycorrhizal fungi also colonise ericaceous roots, forming sheaths and intercellular Hartig nets that further extend nutrient foraging capacity. These multifaceted partnerships underpin the ecological success of Ericaceae in forest understoreys, heathlands and agroecosystems, while offering potential routes to sustainable cultivation practices through bio-inoculation strategies.

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Mycorrhizal Associations in Ericaceous Plants publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in mycorrhizal associations in ericaceous plants across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Ericoid mycorrhiza: Symbiotic association formed between Ericaceae hair roots and specialised fungi, characterised by intracellular hyphal coils that enhance nutrient uptake in acidic, nutrient-poor soils.

Ectomycorrhiza: Symbiosis involving the formation of a multilayered fungal sheath around roots and a Hartig net between cortical cells, facilitating bidirectional nutrient exchange, commonly in trees and some ericaceous species.

Helotiales: An order within the Ascomycota encompassing fungi that engage in ericoid mycorrhizal and mycorrhizal-like interactions, contributing to plant nutrient acquisition through diverse enzymatic capabilities.

Rhizosphere: The soil region immediately adjacent to plant roots, influenced by root exudates and harbouring complex microbial communities that impact nutrient cycling and plant health.

References

1. Root-associated Helotiales fungi: Overlooked players in plant nutrition. Soil Biology and Biochemistry (2024).
2. Beneficial Effect of the New Leptodophora sp. Strain on Development of Blueberry Microclones in the Process of Their Adaptation. Microorganisms (2023).
3. Inoculation with Oidiodendron maius BP Improves Nitrogen Absorption from Fertilizer and Growth of Vaccinium corymbosum during the Early Nursery Stage. Plants (2023).