Are forests connected by hidden fungus networks? Researchers try to look for 'wood-wide web'

The idea that trees in forests are connected by each other has been part of popular culture for a long period of time and hundreds of claims have been made over the years. The elusive 'wood-wide web' has, however, remained unproven. Scientists have now tried to find the answer to this long-held hypothesis.

Researchers has now explored the idea of underground fungi

The idea is based on the concept that underground fungi allow trees to share resources with their seedlings — and even protect them. However, the science behind those ideas is unproven. Fungi are living organisms such as moulds, yeast, and mushrooms.

Led by Justine Karst of the University of Alberta, a team of researchers has now explored the idea of underground fungi known as common mycorrhizal networks. The findings have been published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution.

Researchers suggested that while CMNs have been scientifically proven to exist, there is no strong evidence that they offer benefits to trees and their seedlings. “It’s great that CMN research has sparked interest in forest fungi, but it’s important for the public to understand that many popular ideas are ahead of the science,” says Karst.

Researchers from the University of Alberta along with Melanie Jones of the University of British Columbia Okanagan and Jason Hoeksema of the University of Mississippi reviewed existing field studies to prove the validity of the concept and find answers if these networks actually exist or not. The evaluated statements from more than 1,600 published papers.

They found that claims that the common mycorrhizal networks are widespread in forests aren’t supported by enough scientific evidence and that not much is known about CMN structure and its function in the field. There were just two studies that showed common fungal links among trees. Read More On..