A SIMPLE METHOD FOR OBSERVING VESICULAR-ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAE WITH SUGGESTIONS FOR DESIGNING CLASS ACTIVITIES

Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) are mutualistic relationships b etween certain fungi and the roots of most terrestrial plants. They fu nction primarily to increase phosphorus uptake in plants. VAM are ubiq uitous and cosmopolitan in their distribution. Students in general bio logy, agriculture, turfgrass management, botany, ecology, and natural resources usually have been exposed to the concept of VAM, but few eve r actually observe the symbiosis first hand. Our article presents basi c background information and methods to assist teachers in designing l aboratory and field exercises that offer students a practical means of observing VAM.