A mycotroph is a plant that gets all or part of its carbon, water, or nutrient supply through symbiotic association with fungi.[1] A holomycotroph gets all its nutrition solely from a mycorrhizal symbiosis.[2] The term can refer to plants that engage in either of two distinct symbioses with fungi:
- Many mycotrophs have a mutualistic association with fungi in any of several forms of mycorrhiza. The majority of plant species are mycotrophic in this sense. Examples include Burmanniaceae.
- Some mycotrophs are parasitic upon fungi in an association known as myco-heterotrophy.
References
[edit]- ^ Retallack, M.J.; Marks, J.; Lines, T.; Tupman, M.; Cole, M. (2024). EcoVineyards best practice management guide on soil health in Australian vineyards: Part B (biology) (PDF). Adelaide: Retallack Viticulture Pty Ltd. Retrieved 9 November 2025.
- ^ "Glossary". Australian Orchid Genera. Australian National Botanic Gardens – Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research. Retrieved 9 March 2026.