Scientists make game-changing discovery deep within soil in Colombia: 'It doesn't get as hot as before'

[Judi Lynn]

"If the black oak disappears, the fungi also do, and if the fungi disappear, so will the oaks."

by Kristen Lawrence
October 12, 2024

Researchers have discovered that one of nature's unsung heroes hiding deep beneath the forest floor could be key to saving Colombia's ancient endangered black oak trees. As Mongabay reported, a team of ecologists has spent the past two years scouring the country's forests for mycorrhizae, fungi known for having a symbiotic relationship with many plant roots.

The fungi grow around roots, forming an extensive underground network that reaches deep within the soil. As mycorrhizal fungi break down plant matter, they extract nutrients from the soil and deliver them to root systems. In exchange, the fungi receive carbohydrates from the plants that help them survive.

Because of this beneficial relationship, researchers believe mycorrhizal fungi are critical to preserving Colombia's black oaks. The oaks are believed to be some of the oldest on Earth and once flourished in the high-altitude cloud forests in Colombia. However, only five small patches of black oaks remain after centuries of logging and agriculture decimated the population, Mongabay noted.

But mycorrhizae is already showing promise for the black oaks. Two years ago, fungi ecologist Adriana Corrales and other researchers and community members launched a black oak conservation project to help restore the population using tree seeds "inoculated" with the fungi.

More:
https://www.thecooldown.com/outdoors/colombia-black-oaks-mycorrhizae-endangered-trees-conservation/