Fungal-beetle mutualisms go way back, but just because these interactions are ancient, doesn’t mean humans know what these interactions actually behold. A new publication reveals that the species of fungus (Leptographium abietinum) provides its beetle counterpart with not just one, but three fitness-enhancing benefits.
Read moreSusceptibility to fungal infection varies between individuals in different castes
New research reveals that reproductive individuals depend on their worker ants not only to forage for food and do the heavy lifting for the colony, but also to indirectly enhance their own pathogen resistance. The sterile worker ants need not save resources and energy for reproductive purposes so instead, fully invest in enhancing their pathogen resistance.
Read moreOverlooked and underappreciated fungal symbiotes; Trichoderma species
Orange filaments in a.) and b.) represent Trichoderma sp. within plant roots. Blue filaments represent fungal pathogens. When invaded by Trichoderma sp. the plant responds by creating cell-wall deposits (black squiggles) which limits Trichoderma and pathogen growth. The first plant in panel c.) represents a healthy, disease resistant plant with Trichoderma sp. present while the second individual represents a disease ridden, less fit plant without the fungal mutualist. Harman et al. 2004.
Like mycorrhizae, Trichoderma sp. do more than just providing their host with nutrients. They offer numerous fitness enhancing services that must not be overlooked. In today’s post I will briefly describe the ecological services provided by Trichoderma sp. and how we are using this group of fungi to enhance our own fitness.
Read moreFungi Friday; Pseudogymnoascus destructans
Pseudogymnoascus destructans and its curved conidia in purple blue.
This fungal pathogen is a great example of how detrimental invasive species can be. Learn about this species ecology, evolution, and what we are doing to help the bat populations of the eastern United States.
Read more“Defensive mixology,” an ant mechanism used to reduce pathogens
Top ant cadaver covered in pathogen Metarhizium brunneum.
Tree resins evolved to reduce fungal, bacterial and insect pathogens and parasites. This new research shows that these properties are not only harnessed by wood ants, but actively enhanced through the application of two acids the ants produce.
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