Fungi Communicate Under Metal Pollution in Forests: New Research Insights

Fungi communicate with one another in the presence of metal pollution in forests, according to research conducted by Maarten Ottaway from the Free University of Brussels. This study, published on July 7, 2026, sheds light on the interactions between trees and fungi amid increasing soil contamination.

Understanding Ectomycorrhizal Fungi and Trees

Most trees in the Northern Hemisphere engage in a symbiotic relationship with ectomycorrhizal fungi. These fungi create extensive networks around and between tree roots, facilitating the absorption of water and nutrients while receiving sugars in return. This partnership is vital for forest health but faces challenges from human-induced pollution.

Ottaway's research focuses on the interactions between the fungus Laccaria bicolor and poplar trees, specifically examining how their relationship is impacted by zinc and cadmium pollution. “Metal pollution causes stress in both plants and fungi,” he explains. “We wanted to understand what happens to their partnership when they are exposed to metals such as zinc and cadmium.”

Impact of Metal Pollution on Fungal Communication

The results of the research revealed unexpected findings. While exposure to zinc inhibited the collaboration between the trees and fungi, cadmium appeared to stimulate their relationship. “This shows that not all metals have the same impact on the symbiosis,” Ottaway states. “The response is much more complex than we initially expected.”

In exploring the molecular mechanisms of the fungi, Ottaway discovered that cadmium exposure triggers stress signals that can travel through the fungal network, even to parts not directly in contact with the metal. “This suggests that there is an internal communication system within the fungus,” he adds.

Significance of the Research for Forest Ecosystems

Ottaway's findings not only deepen our understanding of ectomycorrhizal fungi but also highlight the importance of these organisms in maintaining forest ecosystems. He identifies a specific protein involved in stress responses, which behaves differently from similar proteins in yeasts and pathogenic fungi. This research opens new avenues for further studies into the unique biology of these fungi.

According to Ottaway, recognizing the role of forests in biodiversity, climate regulation, and carbon sequestration is crucial. “To protect these ecosystems, we need to better understand how trees and fungi respond together to pollution and other forms of stress,” he concludes.