Articles tagged with Soil Fungi
Researchers found that high-throughput molecular methods used to analyze soil fungi often produce biased results due to limitations in taxonomic resolution and primer-template mismatches. Despite these biases, the study suggests that PCR-free methods have potential for understanding functional capacity of microorganisms.
Symbiotic fungi in plant roots store and release carbon, with certain types leading to 70% more carbon storage. This discovery challenges current understanding of soil carbon pools and their impact on climate predictions.
Research by Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute scientist Benjamin Turner and colleagues reveals that fungi are a key driver of soil carbon storage. Fungi can lead to 70% more carbon in the soil by accessing organic forms of nitrogen, limiting the activity of microorganisms that break down dead organic matter.
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.
Researchers have discovered two classes of peptaibols with potential therapeutic value, including antibiotics and growth promoters. The fungus Trichoderma virens produces diverse compounds that can be tested for various applications.
Scientists discovered a symbiotic relationship between ancient land plants and soil-dwelling fungi, enhancing photosynthetic carbon uptake and plant fitness. This collaboration, dating back nearly half a billion years, played a crucial role in the 'greening' of the Earth.
A new study finds that garlic mustard's fungus-killing toxin levels decrease over time, undermining its invasive advantage. This decline enables native plants to return and outcompete the invasive species.
A new study by UC Irvine finds that fungi in dry spruce forests produce less carbon dioxide when soil is warmed, potentially slowing climate change. This discovery could influence global climate change predictions and policy.
Researchers in Morocco found that combining cypress with lavender or mycorrhizal fungi increases survival rates and growth of young saplings. This approach also reduces soil erosion and improves tree development.
A recent study by Michigan State University researchers found that fungi are more important in plant nitrogen nutrition than previously thought. The team discovered that over a third of the total nitrogen taken up by plants comes from fungal sources.
Researchers have discovered a way to improve plant growth by increasing phosphorus uptake from the soil, reducing fertilizer needs and water pollution. The discovery, made by Dr. Maria Harrison, involves identifying genes that regulate the transfer of phosphorus into plants, with potential benefits for sustainable agriculture.
Research reveals strong interactions between four trophic levels, showing soil fungi impact plant growth and alter attack rates of insect pests. This finding highlights the interconnectedness of species in natural communities, with implications for conservation and pest control.
Researchers found that certain fungi can supply calcium to trees in acidic soils, reducing the loss of essential nutrients. However, not all tree species have beneficial fungal associations, and other factors like soil acidity can still hinder plant growth.