Several tree species form a symbiotic relationship with two different groups of mycorrhiza fungi at the same time. These trees cope better when water and nutrients are in short supply.
In a study encompassing more than 400 tree species worldwide, researchers at the University of Zurich and Agroscope have shown that many trees have refined their symbiosis with mycorrhiza fungi. Most trees form a symbiotic relationship with just one specific type of mycorrhiza fungus. However, cooperating with two different fungal groups makes the trees less susceptible to drought and better able to cope with nutrient deficiencies. More information is available in the University of Zurich’s media releases.
