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Mycorrhizal network: a bidirectional pathway between green-leaved terrestrial orchids and pine trees

Summary

Underground fungal networks connect plant roots like a trading system. Scientists studied how three types of orchids and pine trees exchange carbon and nitrogen through these fungal connections. They found that each orchid species trades resources differently, with carbon consistently flowing from pine to orchids, but nitrogen movement varying by species. This shows that these underground networks are more complex and flexible than previously thought.

Background

Mycorrhizal networks connect plant roots through fungal associations, but whether bidirectional resource transfer occurs simultaneously remains debated. This study investigates carbon and nitrogen exchange between terrestrial orchids and pine trees linked by a common fungal network.

Objective

To test whether bidirectional transfers of carbon and nitrogen occur simultaneously within mycorrhizal networks between terrestrial orchids (Cymbidium species) and Pinus yunnanensis seedlings, and to determine if transfer patterns are species-specific.

Results

Unidirectional transfer occurred between C. goeringii and pine, while bidirectional transfer occurred with C. goeringii var. serratum and C. faberi. Net carbon transfer was consistently from pine to orchids (1.0-3.7%), while nitrogen transfer patterns were species-specific (0.20-12.2% transferred).

Conclusion

Mycorrhizal networks function as dynamic, species-specific pathways where resource transfer patterns depend on orchid identity. This complexity explains inconsistencies in mycorrhizal network research and highlights that partner identity fundamentally alters resource flow patterns.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Plant Science,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41230225, DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2025.1620153
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