Arizona researchers separated plant roots by a 3 mm gap, then added fungus; it carried water between the plants and helped connected plants grow more than grew twice as much

A team from Northern Arizona University has made significant strides in understanding plant-fungal dynamics through an innovative experiment. They found that dark septate endophytes are capable of linking isolated plants and facilitating water transfer, leading to improved growth compared to those without fungal support. These findings underscore the crucial role of fungi in plant resilience, suggesting new approaches for the preservation of vital ecosystems.