bacterial recruitment

Ectomycorrhizal fungi recruit hyphae-associated bacteria that metabolize thiamine to promote pine symbiosis

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Pine trees partner with special fungi that help them absorb nutrients from soil. However, these fungi sometimes lack vitamin B1 (thiamine) needed for growth. Researchers discovered that these fungi recruit helpful bacteria that produce thiamine, creating a three-way partnership. When all three partners work together, pine seedlings grow much better, showing how nature uses teamwork to help plants thrive in forests.

Legume-specific recruitment of rhizobia by hyphae of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

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Underground fungal networks connect different legume plants and act like sophisticated GPS systems for helpful bacteria. These fungi transport chemical signals (flavonoids) from plant roots along their hyphae, guiding specific types of nitrogen-fixing bacteria to their correct host plants. This discovery shows how fungi help bacteria find the right plants to form symbiotic partnerships, improving natural nitrogen fixation and potentially reducing the need for chemical fertilizers in agriculture.

Research Keyword: bacterial recruitment

Ectomycorrhizal fungi recruit hyphae-associated bacteria that metabolize thiamine to promote pine symbiosis

Legume-specific recruitment of rhizobia by hyphae of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi