Relationships Between Trees and Fungi in a Time of Climate Change

Abstract

Fungi form important relationships with trees, in which both the trees and the fungi benefit. Scientists recently discovered that fungi are critical in forests because they help to transfer carbon-containing materials between trees. Previously, no one knew whether these materials were distributed equally between all trees. In our study, we examined the transfer of carbon between trees planted in large containers with forest soil containing their natural fungi. We found that there is an unequal transfer of carbon between trees of different species: some species of trees (such as oaks) transfer more carbon to the fungi and on to trees around them than they receive; and other species (such as pines) receive more than they transfer. Climate change is expected to make it more difficult for trees to survive. In a hot, dry world, carbon exchange between trees may be able to help trees—and possibly entire forests—to survive.