MORPHOLOGY, ANATOMY AND HISTOCHEMISTRY OF FAGUS-GRANDIFOLIA EHRH (NORTH-AMERICAN BEECH) ECTOMYCORRHIZAS

Five distinct ectomycorrhizal morphotypes were recognized on root syst ems of Fagus grandifolia collected in a maple-beech woodlot. Three mor photypes showed extensive root branching whereas two had limited root branching. One morphotype, a bright orange, smooth type, was studied i n detail anatomically. A compact mantle with few emanating extraradica l hyphae covered the root apex of each mycorrhizal lateral. A Hartig n et extended around epidermal and hypodermal cells. Roots were mostly d iarch and a single-layered endodermis and a biseriate hypodermis with the inner hypodermis having suberized walls were present in all specim ens examined. The mantle, and to a lesser extent the Hartig net, store d lipids, polysaccharides and proteins.