Articles tagged with Soil Fungi
A nationwide study across China reveals that fungal species with broad geographic distribution are the dominant drivers of soil carbon decomposition. These widespread saprotrophic fungi play a crucial role in shaping future carbon dynamics under climate change.
Researchers found mycorrhizal fungi in desert moss, unlike those found in less harsh conditions, suggesting a deliberate relationship. The discovery could rewrite moss biology and offer clues about the origins of life on land.
Researchers created the first global maps of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi's distribution and mass, estimating ~110 quadrillion kilometers of network length and ~300 megatons of carbon. The networks support plant life and regulate climate by drawing in CO2 from atmosphere.
Researchers at UTEP found strong connections between Valley fever and extreme weather, wind, and airborne dust, with the disease risk anticipated based on environmental signals. The study identified seasonal patterns, with peak cases in summer months.
Fungi have evolved unique strategies to digest charcoal and other pollutants, including gene duplication and horizontal gene transfer. These discoveries could lead to new methods for cleaning up contaminated environments.
A Europe-wide study reveals that pesticides have substantial effects on beneficial soil organisms, including mycorrhizal fungi and nematodes. The contamination has a major impact on soil biodiversity, highlighting the need to adapt current pesticide assessments and regulations.
A new paper outlines a global coalition dedicated to conserving microbial biodiversity, which accounts for 99% of life on Earth. The Microbial Conservation Specialist Group will develop Red List-compatible metrics, pilot restoration projects, and promote public awareness to ensure microbes are recognized as essential to planetary health.
A new study found that the rate of organic carbon decomposition in soil samples collected across the US differed by up to tenfold, with factors like fungi and iron levels strongly associated with variation. This could improve the accuracy of soil carbon feedback estimates in climate models, leading to more refined projections.
Researchers optimized lab culture conditions to boost levels of low-abundance chlorinated compounds in slime mold cells, identifying CDF-2 and CDF-3 as potent antibiotics against Gram-positive bacteria. The compounds' similar molecular structure suggests a critical role in protecting against harmful bacteria.
A new study found that global climate conditions affect the spore traits of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, influencing their survival, spread, and interaction with plants. The research provides insights into the environmental adaptations of microorganisms, which could guide soil restoration and food production.
A new article published in Crop Science journal provides comprehensive information on the disease's pathology, progression, and management of large patch, a fungal disease that can compromise turfgrass health. Effective management strategies include proper mowing, fertilizing, and watering practices.
Researchers developed high-resolution risk maps to predict where charcoal rot occurs in soybean fields. The maps use measurable soil characteristics to assess risk across the landscape and identify hotspots for targeted approaches to managing the disease.
Researchers discovered that fungi construct a lace-like mycelial network that moves carbon outward from plant roots in a wave-like formation. The team used advanced robotics to measure traffic flows and resource trading in the fungal road system, shedding light on how these networks regulate ecosystem function.
This study explores fungal biomass's role in stabilizing carbon in soils, showing a strong correlation between microbial biomass and reactive mineral-associated carbon. Fungal necromass interacts with nanoparticles to further stabilize the carbon after death, proposing a new conceptual model for hypha-mineral interactions.
Researchers from Jena have discovered how the soil fungus Mortierella alpina eliminates nematodes using natural products called malpinins. These malpinins accumulate in the digestive tract of nematodes and disrupt their function, leading to a slow but effective control of the pests.
A study found that climate change is shifting tree populations away from mycorrhizal fungi, which supply plants with critical nutrients. Trees in the pine family are most at risk, and those that survive in harsh conditions have more diverse fungal partners.
A Dartmouth-led research team created an experimental green roof to test the effect of native prairie microbes on soil microbial community development. Their findings demonstrate that active management accelerates soil development faster than passive reestablishment, fostering a more diverse and sustainable soil community.
New research reveals that microplastic pollution affects soil fungi differently depending on moisture levels. In dry conditions, microplastics help retain water and may mitigate drought effects, while in well-watered environments, toxic chemicals leach into the soil, hindering fungal richness.
A recent study found that climate warming is altering carbon flow and food web dynamics in Arctic tundra and boreal forest ecosystems, with fungi replacing plants as the main energy source for animals. This shift has significant implications for ecosystem function and animal responses to climate change.
A new study finds that mycorrhizal fungi store up to 36% of yearly global fossil fuel emissions' carbon, equivalent to roughly 13 gigatons. This vast underground network is essential to both storing carbon and global biodiversity.
A recent study found large groups of fungi that don't form fruiting bodies and can't be grown in labs, highlighting their ecological importance. The authors suggest modifying nomenclature rules to describe these 'dark fungi', which could prove to be the dominant lifestyle in the fungal kingdom.
Using genetically modified Aspergillus fungi, researchers have successfully converted polyethylene plastics into pharmacologically active compounds. The process breaks down the plastics quickly and efficiently, producing commercially viable yields of asperbenzaldehyde, citreoviridin, and mutilin.
Researchers analyzed over 4,500 documents to understand fungal dispersal across spatial scales. They identified four scales of movement, from microscopic to landscape, and found that climate change affects where fungi reside. More data is needed to understand the biodiversity of fungi and their movement in ecosystems.
Forests with multiple tree species have been shown to be more productive, as different species fill distinct niches and compete less. Additionally, genetic diversity within each tree species also promotes forest productivity by increasing resource use efficiency and reducing damage from herbivores and fungi.
Fungal lung infections are a growing problem nationwide, with 48 states affected by soil fungi causing serious lung infections. Outdated maps may lead to delayed or incorrect diagnoses.
Researchers have isolated a new fungus, Beauveria caledonica, that can be used for biological control of banana borers and Fusarium wilt, two major threats to tropical and subtropical crops. The fungus produces a secondary compound called oosporein, which intensifies its action against the disease.
Researchers found tropical soil microbes decline in diversity and increase CO2 emissions with simulated global warming. The findings threaten rainforest ecosystems and carbon storage, emphasizing the urgency for conservation.
Research shows higher concentrations of pathogenic dust landing at lower elevations in the Sierra Nevada mountains, carrying fungi and bacteria that can cause crop failures and human respiratory disease. The study highlights the increasing threat of microbe-laden dust as the Earth dries out.
Research suggests that climate change may lead to the proliferation of pathogenic fungi in drying soils, which could pose a significant public health threat. The study's findings are being used to inform policymakers on the potential risks of global climate change on soil fungal communities in the US Southwest.
A new methodology predicts soil recovery after wildfires by analyzing the impact of microbes and nutrients on soil regeneration. The study found that including uncommon soil microbiota was critical to predicting water quality and terrestrial ecosystem recovery.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma found that climate warming reduces microbial diversity in grassland soil, essential for ecosystem functioning. The long-term experiment revealed significant negative effects of climate change on soil biodiversity, with warming playing a predominant role.
Research finds fungi and bacteria can thrive in post-megafire soils, with certain microbes increasing in abundance. These microbial 'cousins' are genetically related and share adaptive traits to respond to fire, improving prediction of their responses.
Researchers found that forest trees with a mix of both ectomycorrhiza and arbuscular mycorrhiza had the greatest tree diversity, contradicting previous beliefs. This discovery highlights the importance of considering the coexistence of different mycorrhizal strategies in promoting plant biodiversity.
A recent study found that farms using regenerative agriculture have healthier crops with higher levels of minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals. The research suggests that the key lies in the biology of the soil, where microbes and fungi play a crucial role in boosting beneficial compounds.
Researchers discovered a protein called PHR regulates arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) symbiosis based on phosphate availability. AM promotes phosphate uptake and other nutrient absorption, enhancing plant resistance to stressors.
Research by Penn State found that intensive soil tillage can significantly reduce the availability of ergothioneine in crops. Ergothioneine is an amino acid produced by certain fungi and bacteria, which has potent antioxidant properties and is linked to long-term human health.
A new study reveals that the fungus Rhizopus partners with a bacteria called Ralstonia to evade immune cells and predators in soil. This partnership strategy is also used by humans' own immune cells, allowing Rhizopus to cause disease in humans.
Researchers are exploring the potential of mycelium-based soil remediation to address lead contamination in urban areas. The team will conduct lab experiments and perform electron microscopy imaging to understand how mycelium cell walls can bind and hold onto lead, as well as precipitate lead minerals around the fibers.
Researchers found that fungal communities play a key role in tree growth, with some species increasing tree growth rates up to a tree-fold. The study suggests that using specific fungal communities can help improve forestry and potentially absorb more carbon from the atmosphere.
A new study published in Applications in Plant Sciences highlights the negative effects of clearcutting on mycorrhizal fungi, showing less diversity in formerly deforested areas. High-throughput sequencing reveals over 300 distinct fungal lineages in soil and root samples, shedding light on ecosystem health.
Researchers from the University of Évora discovered seven new species of Terfezia fungi in Portugal, including two previously unknown to science. The study provides valuable insights into their ecological range and potential hosts, enabling the development of truffle cultivation techniques that can positively impact local communities.
Research from Utah State University finds that large trees in western forests benefit from mycorrhizal connections to fungi, which enhance nutrient uptake and provide defense against pathogens. Diverse forest networks offer greater protection for these giant trees.
A team of researchers has discovered a group of bacteria that may help fungi and plants acquire soil nutrients. The bacteria form unique communities on the hyphae surfaces of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, which could enhance phosphate acquisition and improve crop yields.
Researchers at Lund University discovered distinct strategies among fungi species, including the 'soldier' that grows forcefully, the 'marathon runner' that sends out lone fighters, and the 'snake' that weaves around obstacles. The study provides new insights into fungal behavior and its potential applications in agriculture.
Researchers analyzed soil samples from burned and unburned areas in California parks, finding that the oak woodland fungal community was less affected by wildfires than those in evergreen forests. This aligns with the fact that oak woodlands depend on regular fire to thrive.
Researchers discovered that stressed oak trees have more diverse fungal communities than healthy ones, with mutually beneficial relationships providing a buffer against climate change. This symbiotic relationship maintains ecosystem balance and could help conserve tree health in California woodlands.
Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered two previously unknown fungus species using a novel method based on DNA analysis of soil samples. These fungi are thought to play a key role in the ecosystem, but their exact function remains unclear.
Scientists have developed transparent soil substitutes that allow researchers to observe the complex interactions of soil microbes. Using these substitutes, researchers found that soil bacteria rely on fungi to survive dry periods, highlighting the crucial role of fungi in maintaining soil health.
Researchers discovered a soil fungus that parasitizes cyst nematode females and eggs, reducing populations by up to 10,000-fold. This finding could lead to more frequent planting of sugar beets and reduce economic losses caused by these nematodes.
A new experimental approach captures how soil ecosystems respond to multiple drivers, revealing shifts in soil properties and microbial communities. The study's results could help identify dangerous factor combinations and tipping points for soil ecosystems in the future.
In south Florida, a study found that only 20% of applied phosphorus is taken up by plants due to fungal processes. Fungi can convert available phosphorus into less accessible mineral forms.
Researchers discovered that plant-fungal relationships can break down due to the emergence of more efficient nutrient sources. Plants often replace fungi with other cooperative partners or evolve new strategies, such as becoming carnivorous plants to obtain essential nutrients.
A study found that fungi communities on dead trees are much more diverse than previously thought, with over 1,200 species identified. The researchers discovered distinct fungal communities on different tree species, suggesting a complex coevolution between trees and fungi.
Researchers found that fungi can accumulate radioactive substances, making them suitable for assessing environmental contamination. The study suggests using fungi as biomonitors in ecosystems with low radioactive content, providing a new approach to monitoring environmental pollution.
Researchers at UFZ discovered that fungi increase bacterial activity in dry soils by supplying water and nutrients, enabling them to thrive. This study reveals the important role of fungi in soils, including their function as pumping stations and pipelines for water and substrates.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have discovered that asexual spores of the ash dieback fungus can germinate on leaves or infect seedlings via soil, spreading the disease more quickly than previously thought. This finding reveals additional routes for the fungus's spread and increases the risk to trees and ecosystems.
Researchers have developed a method to detect and map fungal associations between forests and fungi using satellite data, providing insights into tree species' nutrient status and ecosystem productivity. This technique allows scientists to study complex processes like nutrient cycling at vast scales.
A University of California, Irvine study found that global warming affects the soil fungi that support plant life in tropical mountain cloud forests. The impact on these ecosystems could be significant, with changes to fungal community composition and increased carbon dioxide emissions.
A new study reveals a plant protein's role in detecting molecular signals from beneficial fungi, allowing plants to harness essential nutrients and sugars. This symbiotic relationship, prevalent across the plant kingdom, is believed to be crucial to early terrestrial survival and the evolution of life on Earth.
A $1.2 million DOE grant will support the development of biosensors to track phosphate movement in real-time, enabling more efficient use of symbiotic relationships between plants and AM fungi. This technology has broad applications beyond biofuels, benefiting economically important crops worldwide.