Ancient fungus unlocks secret support system in major food crops that could transform farming practices
Researchers have discovered that Arabidopsis thaliana, a model plant previously thought incapable of fungal symbiosis, can form partnerships with ancient Mucoromycotina fine root endophyte fungi. This discovery challenges long-standing biological assumptions and could lead to new methods for improving crop resilience.
Why it matters
Unlocking new ways for crops to interact with soil fungi could revolutionize agricultural productivity and sustainability by bypassing traditional genetic limitations.
edited by Lisa Lock , reviewed by Alexander Pol
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Add to Preferred Sources An Arabidopsis thaliana root under a microscope. Credit: University of Sheffield 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 fungus known as a Mucoromycotina fine root endophyte (MFRE).
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