Threats to global fungal networks and mycorrhizal diversity

Problems

• Fungi are essential for the health and functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. They form symbiotic associations with most plants, called mycorrhizae, which enable the exchange of nutrients and carbon between the fungal hyphae and the plant roots. These mycorrhizal fungi also interconnect plants via common mycelial networks (CMNs), facilitating the transfer of resources and signals among the connected plants. CMNs can affect plant growth, diversity, resilience, soil structure, and fertility.
  
  However, various human activities that alter the natural environment threaten these underground fungal networks. Some of the main threats are:
  
  Habitat loss and fragmentation: The expansion of agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure development can destroy or reduce the size and connectivity of natural habitats, leading to the loss of fungal diversity and function. Habitat fragmentation can also isolate fungal populations and reduce gene flow, affecting their adaptation and evolution.
  
  Pollution and climate change: The accumulation of pollutants, such as heavy metals, pesticides, and fertilizers, can negatively affect the survival and performance of mycorrhizal fungi. Climate change can also alter the soil's temperature, moisture, and pH, as well as the frequency and intensity of disturbances, such as droughts, floods, and fires. These changes can affect mycorrhizal fungi's distribution, abundance, diversity, and interactions with plants.
  
  Invasive species and pathogens: Introducing non-native plants, animals, and microorganisms can disrupt the native fungal communities and their functions. Invasive plants can compete with native plants for resources and space and may have different mycorrhizal associations or preferences. Invasive animals can damage the soil and the fungal hyphae by digging, grazing, or trampling. Invasive microorganisms, such as pathogens and parasites, can infect or kill the mycorrhizal fungi or their host plants.
  
  These threats can seriously affect the global carbon cycle, as mycorrhizal fungi are key in sequestering and storing carbon in the soil. Studies have shown that ecosystems with thriving mycorrhizal networks can store up to eight times more carbon than ecosystems without such networks. Therefore, protecting and restoring the fungal networks and their diversity is crucial for mitigating climate change and enhancing biodiversity.
  
  To achieve this goal, scientists and conservationists are working to map and monitor the global distribution and diversity of mycorrhizal fungi using advanced techniques such as artificial intelligence, genetic sequencing, and isotopic labelling.  The Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) aims to identify the hotspots and the threats of mycorrhizal fungi and to create conservation corridors and strategies for underground ecosystems. By increasing the awareness and understanding of the importance and vulnerability of the fungal networks, they hope to inspire more actions and collaborations to safeguard the "circulatory system of the planet."