The association of fungi with roots of higher plants is known as —

✅Explanation
-Mycorrhiza is a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship between a fungus and the roots of a vascular plant. The fungus colonizes the root system of the host plant, providing increased water and nutrient uptake capabilities, particularly phosphorus. In return, the plant supplies the fungus with carbohydrates produced through photosynthesis. This association is crucial for the growth and survival of many plant species.

📌Other Options Explanations:
-A. Lichen: A lichen is a symbiotic association between a fungus and a photosynthetic partner, usually an alga or cyanobacterium. While also a symbiotic relationship, it differs from mycorrhiza as it doesn't involve plant roots.
-C. Ascolichen: Ascolichens are a type of lichen where the fungal partner belongs to the Ascomycota group. This is a more specific classification within lichens and is not related to plant roots.
-D. Basidiolichane: Basidiolichens are another type of lichen where the fungal partner is from the Basidiomycota group. Again, this is a specific type of lichen and not associated with plant roots.