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Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities exposed with new DNA sequencing approach

Researchers have developed a new method to detect and identify the many species involved in these ecologically vital communities, revealing one of the highest levels of species richness recorded to date. The study found that the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities were dominated by a small number of very common fungi.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateSep 29, 2017

Plants force fungal partners to behave fairly

In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that plants deliberately choose which fungal partners to provide with more nutrients, effectively forcing the less cooperative partner to supply more phosphates. This market-based process allows for optimal resource allocation and increased plant productivity.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalEcology Letters·DateApr 14, 2016

Genetically modified corn affects its symbiotic relationship with non-target soil organisms

Researchers found genetically modified Bt corn has lower colonization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal roots compared to non-Bt corn, but no impact on root biomass or shoot growth. This study contributes to understanding the effects of GM crops on non-target soil organisms and highlights the need for further research.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateApr 17, 2012