CHITIN AS A NITROGEN-SOURCE FOR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI

Three ericoid and two ectomycorrhizal fungi were tested for their abilities to utilize chitin as a sole source of nitrogen. All of the ericoid fungi readily degraded chitin. The ecto-fungi, in contrast, used it only sparingly. The results extend the range of polymeric N sources known to be utilized by mycorrhizal fungi and imply that some mycorrhizal fungi may be involved in recycling of N from this structural component of hyphal walls in soil. The possible role of chitinase activity in influencing fungal interactions in heathland ecosystems is discu © 1990, British Mycological Society. All rights reserved.