ACCUMULATION OF CALCIUM OXALATE IN THE MANTLE OF ECTOMYCORRHIZAL ROOTS OF <i>PINUS RADIATA</i> AND <i>EUCALYPTUS MARGINATA</i>

Abstract

SUMMARY Calcium oxalate crystals occur in the mantle of ectomycorrhizal roots of Firms radiata and Eucalyptus marginata. Dense concentrations of these crystals were observed in association with the fungal symbiont of both tree species. It is suggested that oxalate production may enhance nutrient uptake by ectomycorrhizal roots of forest species growing in nutrient impoverished soils. Concentrations of Ca, S, K and P were similar in mycorrhizal root masses of P. radiata and E. marginata.