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What happens below ground in forests and fields is critical to the success of plants and plant communities. The vast network of fungal filaments in soil and colonizing plant roots contributes to the success of individual plants and community establishment. These fungal-plant associations are termed mycorrhizae. Most plants form mycorrhizae, and the fungi involved belong to several groups within the kingdom Fungi. These fungi associate beneficially with plants, providing increased uptake of minerals and water. Mycorrhizal fungi form a below-ground network that often connects multiple individuals within a population. This book offers a broad overview of mycorrhizal systems--what they do, what fungi are involved, how they contribute to plant populations and communities, and ultimately how essential they are to successful balance in ecosystems. Allen (emer., Univ. of California, Riverside) provides historical background and evaluates experimental evidence regarding the activity and importance of these mutualistic relationships, including a detailed overview of the related literature. With 800 entries, this is one of the most complete bibliographies available. Illustrations, photographs, diagrams, and a basic glossary aid readers. Explanatory sidebars expand on selected concepts. This comprehensive work is perfect for advanced students or faculty taking up research on mycorrhizae but could also be appreciated by amateur botanists and gardeners. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students and faculty. General readers. --Donald H. Pfister, Harvard University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
