Ancient fungus unlocks secret support system in major food crops that could transform farming practices
Arabidopsis thaliana, a small flowering mustard plant used worldwide as the primary genetic model in plant biology, was long believed incapable of forming relationships with underground fungal networks. New research published in Current Biology led by professor Katie Field demonstrates for the first time that it can establish a fully functional, resource-sharing partnership with an ancient soil…
A groundbreaking discovery published in Current Biology reveals that the widely studied mustard plant Arabidopsis thaliana can form a mutually beneficial relationship with an ancient soil fungus, challenging long-held assumptions in plant biology. The fungus, a Mucoromycotina fine root endophyte (MFRE), successfully colonizes the plant's roots without causing disease or altering growth.
This partnership involves a unique two-way exchange, with the fungus absorbing essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from the soil and transferring them to the plant, while receiving more than 260% more plant-fixed carbon in return. The research, led by professor Katie Field, demonstrates that the Arabidopsis-MFRE interaction can be used as an ideal model system to uncover the molecular mechanisms driving this alternative symbiosis.
This finding could potentially transform farming practices by offering a nature-based approach to improve crop nutrition, soil health, and resilience, while reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers.
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