Mycorrhizae are not honeydew. Mycorrhizae are fungi that grow in the
rhizosphere and form a symbiotic relationship with plants. Honeydew is a sugar
excretion by aphids that serves as a food source to ants (and also atttracts
lacewings and ladybirds who are predators of aphids). That's why ants are known
to look after aphids.
Regards,
Christiane
[EMAIL PROTECTED] on 27/06/2002 00:33:56
Please respond to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
cc: (bcc: Christiane Jaeger/NRE)
Subject: Fwd: Re: Root Aphids
>Date: Wed, 26 Jun 2002 05:32:35 -0700 (PDT)
>From: Michael Smith <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>Subject: Re: Root Aphids
>To: Allan <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>
>Allan,
>
>Please Fwd:
>
>I remember reading an article years ago, which I
>followed up with naked-eye observations in the field.
>The article stated that aphids were feeding on
>something called "honey dew"; a black sweet dew that
>forms on plants. This is easily observable developing
>on field peas during humid periods; a good reason to
>use 508 on the plants.
>
>Anyway, if mycorrhyzae is the technical term for honey
>dew, I would say Hugh is right on the money. What I
>would watch out for is its' appearance above the soil
>line; it limits the health of the plant.
>
>Michael
>>Ant and aphids on roots is just about always a good
>>sign. Ants cultivate the mycorrhyzae so there is a
>>surplus for the aphids.
>>
>>Best,
>>Hugh
>
><Hugh - I thought ants on the roots, among other
>things, indicated poor soil structure. It seems so
>degenerate, aphids on the roots (I don't recall seeing
>ants, myself).
>
>(Moving right along) Are you saying that the aphids
>are only feeding on exudates and not on the plant
>itself?
>
>-Allan>
>
>
>
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