Question

What is mycorrhiza? How does it help as biofertilizers?

Answer 1

Hint: Fungi establish symbiotic relationships with plants, known as mycorrhiza. Many members of the genus Glomus make up mycorrhiza. It increases the phosphorus obtained by the plant manifold, thereby increasing its production capacity.

Complete answer:
In this question, we have asked about Mycorrhizae, which is known as root fungi from symbiotic associations with plant roots. As In these associations, the fungi are actually integrated into the physical structure of the root. The fungi colonize the living roots tissue during active plant growth.
Using fungi colony, the plants will get all the required minerals like phosphate, zinc, copper etc. from the soil. And the fungus obtains the nutrients like sugar etc. from the plant root. Now, we can see that these both should be having symbiotic association otherwise problems will arise like they can't live together without benefits. And the main thing is that Mycorrhizae helps increase the surface area of the plant root system because hyphae, which are narrow and it can spread beyond the nutrient depletion zone. Basically Hyphae are the long extensions of the fungus, which can grow into small soil pores that allow access to phosphorus. And Mycorrhizae functions as the physical barrier for pathogens or it provides defence mechanisms for which can be sometimes used in the production of antibiotic compounds from Fungi. Therefore, they can be used as biofertilizers and as biocontrol agents.

Note:
There are two types of mycorrhizae: ectomycorrhizae and endomycorrhizae. Ectomycorrhizae form an extensive dense sheath around the roots, called a mantle. And this type of mycorrhizae is found in forest trees, especially conifers, birches, and oaks. Endomycorrhizae, also called arbuscular mycorrhizae, do not form a dense sheath over the root. Instead, the fungal mycelium is embedded within the root tissue. Endomycorrhizae are found in the roots of more than 80 percent of terrestrial plants.