mycotrophy Bot.
(maɪˈkɒtrəfɪ)
[a. G. mykotrophie (R. Falck 1923, in Mykologische Untersuchungen und Berichte II. 49), f. myco- + Gr. τροϕή nourishment: see -y3.]
The state of certain plants which have mycorrhizæ growing in association with their roots, possibly as an aid in the assimilation of nutrients. So mycoˈtrophic a.
| 1927 Forestry I. 115 Defining mycotrophy as the capacity to assimilate organic compounds through the agency of specific root fungi, Falck reviews the historical evidence bearing on the significance of mycorrhiza. 1927 [see mycorrhiza]. 1930 Nature 9 July 80/1 The mycotrophic habit has been shown to be of wide occurrence in many families of plants. 1959 J. L. Harley Biol. Mycorrhiza i. 6 The mycotrophy of the Ericales is described because it now appears to have something in common with the ectotrophic mycorrhizas of forest trees. Ibid. xi. 172 (heading) Other mycotrophic plants with septate endophytes. |