Growing Research Networks on Mycorrhizae for Mutual Benefits. (November 2018) - Ferlian, Olga
Abstract : Research on mycorrhizal interactions has traditionally developed into separate disciplines addressing different organizational levels. This separation has led to an incomplete understanding of mycorrhizal functioning. Integration of mycorrhiza research at different scales is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying the context dependency of mycorrhizal associations, and to use mycorrhizae for solving environmental issues. Here, we provide a road map for the integration of mycorrhiza research into a unique framework that spans genes to ecosystems. Using two key topics, we identify parallels in mycorrhiza research at different organizational levels. Based on two current projects, we show how scientific integration creates synergies, and discuss future directions. Only by overcoming disciplinary boundaries, we will achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the functioning of mycorrhizal associations. Highlights: Mycorrhiza research has traditionally developed into distinct disciplines at different organizational levels from the cellular to ecosystem level. This separation leads to a limited understanding of mycorrhiza functioning and its role within ecosystems. Here, we show how the different disciplines in mycorrhiza research commonly address the same general questions and how these questions are nested in the next organizational level. By integrating different disciplines, these disciplines are able to complement each other and foster the development of a comprehensive understanding of mycorrhizal associations. We introduce two ongoing projects as examples where the integration of disciplines in mycorrhiza research is already common practice.