Biochemical and molecular aspects of C/N interaction in ectomycorrhizal plants: an update

The symbiosis (ectomycorrhiza, ECM) between roots of trees and shrubs of boreal and temperate forest ecosystems and soil fungi is essential for water and nutrient acquisition of the plants. The functionality of ECM is largely dependent on the ability of the host plant to supply photoassimilates to the fungus via the symbiotic interface. Based on sterile in vitro and non-sterile pot experiments, we review data which gives evidence that hexoses are supplied to the fungus by the host plant (mainly glucose and fructose), and that these sugars, at least in part, control development and function of ECM by interfering with fungal gene expression. We further show that any factor which reduces hexose allocation to the host-fungus interface will adversely affect ECM development. As an example, we address the impact of increased supply of nitrogen on the biochemistry of plant-fungus interaction and discuss potential consequences on host performance.