ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ University hosts conference on myccorhizas - a plant's best friend
Friday, 6 July 2001
Around 90% of land plants have a useful fungal association called mycorrhiza or 'fungus root' which is critical to their nutrient uptake in low nutrient environments. Research in this field is vital to understanding plant ecology and in the development of ecologically sustainable environmental management systems. Now ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ University is set to host one of the largest ever conferences focusing on these essential 'best friends' to plants.
ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ University will host the third International Conference on Mycorrhizas (ICOM3) from July 8 to 13th. The conference, which has attracted over 450 delegates from 48 countries, will focus on the diversity and integration of mycorrhizal fungi and root in natural plant communities, crops and forests. Professor Sally Smith, Director of the Centre for Plant Root Symbioses and Deputy Head of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ University's Department of Soil and Water, said the event marks international recognition of Australian research in the field.
"The first ICOM conferences arose from a merger between European and North American conferences. The convening of this conference in ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ in part recognises th