Underground Connections: How Mycorrhizal Fungi Shape Ecosystems
Fungi in soil can help plants grow by sharing nutrients and protecting them. Emily explores how these fungi link plants together. Learn more about this hidden network.
Soil harbours a vast diversity of fungi. One particular type is known as “mycorrhizal” fungi. These fungi rely on plants for their nutrition and in return, provide plants with nutrients acquired from the soil. In some cases, other benefits, such as increased protection from pests can also be conferred.
In this talk, Emily will focus on the ability of mycorrhizal fungi to form networks in the soil, potentially connecting neighbouring plants and facilitating plant-plant communication, as well as influencing nutrient cycling.
This talk was part of Pint of Science, an annual worldwide science festival bringing researchers and the public together. Find out more here.
Credits
- Speaker: Emily Magkourilou (PhD Student at the University of Sheffield)
- Event Organiser: Bronte Elliott (Research Technician at the University of Sheffield)
- Event Organiser: Madhumitha Rajendran (Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant at the University of Sheffield)
- Video Production: David Heath (Digital Engagement Officer at the University of Sheffield)
- With support from the Public Engagement Team at the University of Sheffield