Editing Ascomycota (section)

=== Mycorrhizal fungi and endophytes ===
Members of the Ascomycota form two important types of relationship with plants: as [[mycorrhiza]]l fungi and as [[endophyte]]s. Mycorrhiza are [[symbiosis|symbiotic]] associations of fungi with the root systems of the plants, which can be of vital importance for growth and persistence for the plant. The fine mycelial network of the fungus enables the increased uptake of mineral salts that occur at low levels in the soil. In return, the plant provides the fungus with metabolic energy in the form of [[photosynthesis|photosynthetic]] products.

Endophytic fungi live inside plants, and those that form mutualistic or [[commensalism|commensal]] associations with their host, do not damage their hosts. The exact nature of the relationship between endophytic fungus and host depends on the species involved, and in some cases fungal colonization of plants can bestow a higher resistance against insects, [[roundworm]]s (nematodes), and [[bacteria]]; in the case of [[Neotyphodium|grass endophytes]] the fungal symbiont produces poisonous [[alkaloid]]s, which can affect the health of plant-eating (herbivorous) [[mammal]]s and deter or kill insect herbivores.<ref>{{cite journal |last1= Schulz B, Boyle C.|year=2005 |title=The endophytic continuum |journal=Mycological Research |volume=109 |issue=6 |pages=661–86 |pmid=16080390 |doi= 10.1017/S095375620500273X |first1= B |last2= Boyle |first2= C}}</ref>