Episode 5: Why are Plant-Fungi Interactions Important?

Plant-fungi interactions are important because without them there would be limited food. The studies are clear that at least 90% of plants use mycorrhizal fungi to produce fruit and vegetables. A mycorrihzal fungi is a fungus that forms a symbiotic relationship with a plant where the tree exchanges glucose from photosynthesis with mineral nutrients (like phosphorus) that the fungi can provide. Especially in winter when trees see less and less sunlight they need those mutualistic relationships to acquire nutrients. Trees and saplings can use mycelium to absorb and exchange nutrients. Plants and fungi can also exchange chemical processes to communicate with each other. Listen to the whole episode to learn more about why plant-fungi interactions are important.

Today we talk about the top 7 reasons why plant-fungi interactions are important with guest Randall Simonson.

  1. Plant metabolism: Photosynthesis, Protein Synthesis, Lipids, Induced Systemic resistance

  2. Biodiversity: Soil fungi act like a support network

  3. Practical Advancements: MycoApply, BioOrganics

  4. Mediate Climate Change: Plants and fungi could slow climate change

  5. Nutrient exchange

  6. Understanding interactions related to AI and neural connections with Randall Simonson

  7. Mycorrhizations

As well as flora funga facts, juicy news, quote a scientist, and this weeks book recommendation. Join me on this wild ride as we dive into episode 5.

Drank of the Week:  Zingzang Bloody Mary

Juicy News: Microscopic partners could help plants survive stressful environments

Flora Funga Facts:
Root to tree ratio
Indian Pipe Plant

Quote a Scientist: 
 State of the Worlds Plants and Fungi
" Trees are most effective + efficient at providing...mycorrhizae fungi." -Prof Stevenson

Book Recommendation: Mycorrhizal Planet

Other Resources:
Fantastic Fungi
Randall Simonson: rasimonson34@gmail.com

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Theme song :
    -Soundotcom called Go Rock
    -Take the Lead by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4458-take-the-lead
License: http://creativecommons.org/

KK

Just trying to bridge the gap between plants, fungi, and humans.

https://www.florafungapodcast.com
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Episode 6: How to Become a Mushroom with Sam the Fungi

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Episode 4: Why are Fungi Important?