Mycorrhizal biotechnology has been used in rehabilitating degraded sites because mycorrhiza enables the plants to

1. resist drought and increase absorptive area
2. tolerate extremes of pH
3. resist disease infestation

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2013 Prelims]

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)        

Explanation:

Mycorrhiza and its Types

• A mycorrhiza is a symbiotic alliance between fungi and plants.
• This association results in the growth and development of plants and its root.
• Mycorrhiza fungi act as a bio-fertilizer and help in maintaining soil biology and chemistry.
• There are two types of mycorrhiza: endo mycorrhizae and ecto mycorrhizae.

Benefits of Fungi

• Fungi have the ability to tolerate extremes of pH, soil, high temperature, and heavy metal toxicity.
• They provide more nutrients to the plants resulting in healthy plants.
• The plant helps in resisting drought and salinity.
• Fungi have the ability to reduce disease occurrence and dissolve and absorb phosphorous.
• Fungi help in controlling soil erosion.
• Results in higher organic matter and soil quality.