Aspects of phosphorus nutrition in endomycorrhizal fungi of the Ericaceae

The objectives of this project were to investigate the phosphorus nutrition of ericoid mycorrhigas with a view to clarifying their importance in the nutrition of their host plants. On the basis of the information reviewed three aspects were selected for investigation: a) to determine the activity and character of the acid phosphatases of the endophyte in culture; b) to investigate the P uptake kinetics of South African endophyte in culture with emphasis on the dual uptake system; and c) to identify, characterise and estimate the levels of polyphosphates in endophytes and synthesized mycorrhizal seedlings and establish the importance of the molecule as a P storage form under conditions of excess P availability. 32P labelling was used in studying the kinetics of phosphate uptake by the endophyte isolated from root systems. The absorption and utilization of 32P by mycelia in culture was studied