RECIPROCAL TRANSFER OF NUTRIENTS BETWEEN ERICACEOUS PLANTS AND A CLAVARIA SP.

A close physiological relationship between some ericaceous plants, Rhododendron sp. and Pieris japonica, and a member of the genus Clavaria is indicated by radioisotope translocation studies. [14C]photosynthate from host leaves was detected in Clavaria fruiting bodies and 33P applied to Clavaria fruiting bodies was detected in plant roots. Possible transfer mechanisms, including that of a mycorrhizal association, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]