Research Topic: mycorrhizal symbiosis

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.

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Plasticity of symbiotroph-saprotroph lifestyles of Piloderma croceum associated with Quercus robur L

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This research reveals that a common forest fungus called Piloderma croceum can switch between two different lifestyles: breaking down dead wood to obtain nutrients, and forming beneficial partnerships with living oak tree roots. The study shows that dead wood colonized by this fungus serves as a natural ‘seed bank’ for these fungi, allowing them to later colonize new trees. This discovery suggests that protecting deadwood in forests may indirectly help forests grow healthier by supporting the fungi that help trees absorb nutrients.

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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 orchids before they physically touch each other. Researchers grew the fungus near young orchid plants separated by a thin membrane and found that the fungus changed its genes and chemistry significantly, suggesting it somehow detected the orchid’s presence. The fungus increased production of proteins and fats, as if preparing for a partnership with the plant. These findings help us understand how plants and fungi communicate and begin their beneficial relationships.

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Fungal symbiont Mycena complements impaired nitrogen utilization in Gastrodia elata and supplies indole-3-acetic acid to facilitate its seed germination

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Gastrodia elata is a special orchid that cannot make its own food and must rely entirely on a fungal partner called Mycena. Scientists discovered that the orchid has lost genes needed to use nitrogen and make growth hormones, while the fungus Mycena has kept these genes. By providing nitrogen and a hormone called auxin, the fungus helps the orchid seeds germinate and grow.

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The influence of mycorrhizal hyphal connections and neighbouring plants on Plantago lanceolata physiology and nutrient uptake

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Fungi that live in soil form partnerships with plant roots and can extend underground networks connecting multiple plants. In this study, plants with access to expanded fungal networks captured more carbon through photosynthesis, accumulated more nutrients like phosphorus and zinc, and released more carbon into the soil. However, whether neighboring plants were present or what type they were did not significantly change these benefits, suggesting that soil exploration volume matters more than plant-to-plant connections through fungal networks.

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Microbial communities inhabiting the surface and gleba of white (Tuber magnatum) and black (Tuber macrosporum) truffles from Russia

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This research identifies the various microorganisms living inside truffles, particularly Tuber magnatum (white truffle) and Tuber macrosporum (black truffle). The study found that a yeast-like fungus called Geotrichum consistently lives in both truffle types and likely helps with spore dispersal through smell-producing compounds. The researchers discovered that different parts of the truffle have different microbial communities, which explains why truffles have such unique flavors and aromas.

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