[Campbell Biology P.867] A farmer decides to plant a new crop species that is known to form ... | Practice Question

A farmer decides to plant a new crop species that is known to form arbuscular mycorrhizal associations. They collect seeds from a natural ecosystem where the plant thrives and then plant them in a newly acquired field with foreign soil. Despite optimal watering and sunlight, the plants exhibit symptoms of malnutrition, particularly phosphorus deficiency. Based on the information provided, what is the most likely reason for this observation?

  • A: The foreign soil lacks the specific fungal partners required for mycorrhizal formation.
  • B: The new crop species cannot form mycorrhizal associations regardless of soil conditions.
  • C: The foreign soil has an excessive concentration of phosphorus, inhibiting uptake.
  • D: The farmer did not provide enough water or sunlight for the plants.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that if crop seeds are planted in foreign soil, they may show signs of malnutrition, particularly phosphorus deficiency, due to 'the absence of fungal partners.' Mycorrhizae are crucial for efficient nutrient especially phosphorus absorption, and without the correct fungal symbionts in the new soil, the plants cannot thrive.