Mycorrhizal networks between trees: uses in research

Also: wood wide web, common mycorrhizal networks, Suzanne Simard, ectomycorrhizal fungi

Fungi that live on tree roots can link several trees underground. How much these networks move resources between trees is an active scientific debate.

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1997 Carbon moving between trees
2023 A published critique of network claims

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A published critique of network claims

Karst and colleagues argued that positive citation bias and overinterpreted results have spread misinformation about common mycorrhizal networks in forests. The two views are an ongoing published debate.

Publisher update notice: correction

As reported in: Karst, Jones, Hoeksema (2023). Positive citation bias and overinterpreted results lead to misinformation on common mycorrhizal networks in forests. Nature Ecology & Evolution. doi:10.1038/s41559-023-01986-1

Abstract only

biology

lab biology 1997

Carbon moving between trees

Simard and colleagues used isotope labelling in the field to show carbon moved in both directions between paper birch and Douglas fir linked by ectomycorrhizal fungi, regulated by source-sink relationships.

As reported in: Simard, Perry, Jones et al. (1997). Net transfer of carbon between ectomycorrhizal tree species in the field. Nature. doi:10.1038/41557