Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are one of the most widespread symbioses on our planet, and colonise the roots of more than 70% of plant species. Arbuscular mycorrhiza enables the plant partners to better absorb mineral nutrients and water, and resist stress, drought and pests. To observe the mycorrhizal structures in plant roots, we need to stain them. In this thesis, we compared the most commonly used root staining method with the dye trypan blue and the ink and vinegar method, which, compared to the former, has a lower health risk and is therefore more suitable for educational purposes. We also compared the suitability of selected plant species, cock's-foot (Dactylis glomerata L.) and narrowleaf plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.), for the assessment and observation of mycorrhizal colonisation in roots. Both plant species proved to be suitable for the observation of mycorrhizal colonisation, but mycorrhizal colonisation was higher in narrowleaf plantain than in the roots of cock's-foot. At the same time, the narrowleaf plantain is well visible and accessible throughout the growing season and therefore proved to be the more suitable choice for educational purposes. There were no statistically significant differences between the two staining methods for the individual plant species, both of which proved useful for assessing mycorrhizal colonisation in the roots of the selected plant species. Thus, the ink and vinegar staining method is safe, effective and validated for use in education.
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