Among the following microbes which is helpful for the absorption of phosphorus from the soil
Show Hint
Mycorrhizae act as extended root systems.
They are particularly critical for absorbing immobile soil nutrients like phosphorus, which do not easily diffuse toward plant roots.
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks us to identify the specific micro-organism that forms a symbiotic relationship with plants to facilitate the absorption of phosphorus from the soil.
Step 2: Key Concepts and Approach:
Biofertilizers play a key role in improving soil fertility.
While some organisms fix nitrogen, others are specialized in solubilizing or absorbing soil phosphorus.
Fungi belonging to the genus Glomus form mycorrhizal associations with plant roots.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
• Glomus (Mycorrhiza): Fungi of this genus form endomycorrhizae (Arbuscular Mycorrhizae).
The fungal hyphae extend far into the soil, absorbing phosphorus and transferring it to the plant host.
In return, the plant provides the fungus with photosynthetic carbohydrates.
Mycorrhizal plants also show enhanced resistance to root pathogens and tolerance to drought. Thus, this is the correct choice.
• Nostoc: This is a free-living or symbiotic cyanobacterium that fixes atmospheric nitrogen, not phosphorus.
• Rhizobium: This is a symbiotic bacterium that forms root nodules in legumes to fix atmospheric nitrogen.
• Azospirillum: This is a free-living/associative bacterium in the rhizosphere that fixes nitrogen.
Step 4: Final Answer: Glomus is the microbial partner that facilitates phosphorus absorption from the soil.
