fungal symbiosis – mycolab.ai

Growth variation of an ambrosia fungus on different tree species indicates host specialization

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This research demonstrates that ambrosia fungi, which are cultivated by beetles as food sources, grow better on certain types of trees. The fungus studied, Dryadomyces montetyi, grows faster and denser on hardwood trees like oak and beech compared to conifer trees like fir and Douglas-fir. This suggests that the fungal symbiont has evolved preferences for the same tree types that its beetle partner prefers, indicating a specialized relationship shaped by millions of years of evolution.

Mycorrhizae and grapevines: the known unknowns of their interaction for wine growers’ challenges

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Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi form beneficial partnerships with grapevine roots, helping plants absorb water and nutrients while improving stress tolerance. These fungi relationships begin in plant nurseries and continue in vineyards, but their effectiveness depends on the specific fungus species, vine variety, and farming practices like soil management and herbicide use. Using these fungi as biological stimulants could help grapevines cope with climate change challenges like drought and heat, though more field studies are needed to confirm their practical benefits.

Stage-Specific Lipidomes of Gastrodia elata Extracellular Vesicles Modulate Fungal Symbiosis

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Researchers studied how a special orchid called Gastrodia elata communicates with its fungal partner Armillaria. They found that tiny fat-like packages called extracellular vesicles carry specific molecules that help the orchid and fungus work together. These special molecules, including compounds like 7,8-dehydroastaxanthin, are most abundant when the orchid is actively absorbing nutrients from the fungus.

Integrated peloton and fruiting body isotope data shed light on mycoheterotrophic interactions in Gastrodia pubilabiata (Orchidaceae)

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This study examined how a special orchid called Gastrodia pubilabiata obtains nutrients from fungi by comparing the chemical signatures of fungal cells found inside the orchid’s roots with those of mushroom fruiting bodies. The researchers found that the fungal cells inside the roots had nearly identical chemical signatures to the mushroom fruiting bodies, confirming that scientists can accurately study this relationship by analyzing extracted fungal cells. This finding helps validate a scientific method that has been increasingly used to understand how orchids feed on fungi without performing photosynthesis.

Can the DSE Fungus Exserohilum rostratum Mitigate the Effect of Salinity on the Grass Chloris gayana?

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Researchers tested whether a fungus called Exserohilum rostratum could help a forage grass called Rhodes grass survive in salty soil. The fungus did tolerate salt and helped the grass maintain better nutrient balance under salt stress, but it couldn’t fully protect the grass from severe salinity. The benefits were most noticeable under moderate salt conditions, suggesting the fungus works best in less extreme environments.

Mycorrhizal fungus BJ1, a new species of Tulasnella sp.: its biological characteristics and promoting effect on seed germination of Bletilla striata

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Researchers discovered a new type of fungus called Tulasnella sp. BJ1 that forms beneficial partnerships with Bletilla striata, a traditional Chinese medicinal plant. When this fungus was used with the plant’s seeds, germination rates and seedling growth improved significantly compared to seeds grown alone. The fungus helps by producing growth-promoting substances like plant hormones and breaking down nutrients that the developing plants can absorb. This finding offers a practical method to grow more B. striata plants efficiently for medicinal use.

Omics approaches to investigate pre-symbiotic responses of the mycorrhizal fungus Tulasnella sp. SV6 to the orchid host Serapias vomeracea

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This study examines how a fungus called Tulasnella responds to the presence of orchid plants before they physically touch each other. Using advanced techniques to measure gene activity and chemical composition, researchers found that the fungus activates growth and preparation genes when it senses the orchid nearby, suggesting the two organisms communicate through chemical signals even before making contact.

Can the DSE Fungus Exserohilum rostratum Mitigate the Effect of Salinity on the Grass Chloris gayana?

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Researchers tested whether a fungus called Exserohilum rostratum could help Rhodes grass tolerate salty soils. While the fungus survived well in salty conditions and colonized plant roots, it only moderately improved plant growth under high salt levels. The fungus did help plants maintain better potassium and calcium balance compared to non-inoculated plants, but this wasn’t always enough to overcome severe salt stress.

Comparative transcriptome analyses and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated functional study of Tfsdh1 reveal insights into the interaction between Tremella fuciformis and Annulohypoxylon stygium

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White wood ear fungus (Tremella fuciformis) is a popular medicinal mushroom that cannot grow on its own in nature. Researchers studied how it interacts with a companion fungus and discovered that a specific gene called Tfsdh1 is crucial for the mushroom to use sorbitol sugar and grow properly. By using advanced genetic tools to remove this gene, they showed it’s essential for the relationship between the two fungi, offering insights into how to better cultivate this nutritious mushroom.

Eight Fungal Species Associated with Ambrosia Beetles in Korea

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This research identifies eight types of fungi that live in partnership with ambrosia beetles in Korea. These fungi are food sources for beetle larvae and adults. The study found that some fungi have specific relationships with particular beetle species, while others can associate with multiple beetle types. This work helps scientists understand how beetles spread fungi and potentially cause tree diseases like oak wilt.

Research Keyword: fungal symbiosis