Plantfungal

Plantfungal refers to the study of interactions between plants and fungi, encompassing mutualistic, commensal, and pathogenic relationships. This umbrella term covers mycorrhizal associations, fungal endophytes living inside plant tissues, and fungal diseases that affect plant health and productivity. The field investigates how fungi influence plant physiology, nutrition, stress tolerance, and ecological networks.

Mycorrhizal relationships are among the best-known plantfungal associations. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi penetrate root cells and extend hyphae into the soil, improving uptake of phosphorus and other nutrients while receiving carbon from the plant. Ectomycorrhizal fungi form a sheath around roots and modulate nutrient exchange in many tree species. Both types can enhance drought tolerance, soil structure, and resilience to environmental stress.

Endophytic fungi inhabit interior plant tissues without causing obvious disease. They can promote growth and confer resistance to pests and abiotic stress, though effects are context-dependent and vary with plant, fungal strain, and environment. In contrast, many fungi cause disease, with pathogens such as rusts, mildews, blights, and wilts reducing crop yields and natural vegetation. Management includes resistant cultivars, crop rotation, sanitation, biological control, and prudent fungicide use.

Mechanistically, plantfungal interactions involve signaling molecules, nutrient exchange via hyphae, and sometimes complex networks that connect multiple plants through common mycorrhizal networks. Studying these relationships informs ecology, forestry, and sustainable agriculture, highlighting the dependencies between plants and fungi in terrestrial ecosystems.