Can a Fungus Save Plants from Global Warming? | I Contain Multitudes

Summary

Microbiologist Rusty Rodriguez and his colleague Regina Redmond discovered a symbiotic relationship between plants and fungi that enhances heat tolerance. They found that certain grasses thrive in extreme heat due to a specific fungus, Curvularia protuberata. This relationship is not unique to Yellowstone but is a global phenomenon. Exploring this symbiosis, they started a company to enhance crop resilience in a warming world, potentially revolutionizing agriculture.

Takeaways

• 🌱 Plants have their own microbiomes, similar to how humans and animals do, filled with bacteria and fungi.
• 🍄 Rusty Rodriguez, a microbiologist, focuses on the role of fungi in the plant microbiome, particularly microscopic fungi.
• 🔥 Rusty and his colleague Regina Redmond discovered that certain grasses, like tropical panic grass, can thrive in extreme heat near geysers in Yellowstone.
• 🌡️ The panic grass was found to grow in soil temperatures up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to cook a turkey.
• 🧪 Rusty and Regina conducted experiments to understand how these grasses evolved to withstand such heat, focusing on the fungi living inside the plant.
• 🤔 They found that the same fungus, Curvularia protuberata, was present in all the plants they collected, raising questions about its role in heat tolerance.
• 🔬 Experiments showed that neither the fungus nor the plant could survive above a certain temperature when separated, indicating a symbiotic relationship.
• 🤝 The symbiosis between the plant and fungus is crucial for their survival in extreme conditions; they rely on each other to thrive.
• 🌳 Rusty and Regina's research suggests that this symbiotic relationship is not unique to Yellowstone but is a widespread phenomenon in various habitats.
• 🍉 They demonstrated that introducing specific fungi to plants like watermelon can make them heat tolerant within 24 hours, highlighting the potential for enhancing crop resilience.
• 🌱 The discovery has broader implications, as it could help make crops more resilient in a warming world, potentially increasing food security.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Rusty Rodriguez's research?

Rusty Rodriguez is a microbiologist who specializes in studying the microbiome of plants, particularly focusing on fungi.

How does Rusty Rodriguez describe the relationship between plants and microbes?

Rusty Rodriguez describes plants as 'veg bags full of bacteria and fungi,' similar to how animals are 'meat bags full of bacteria.'

What discovery did Rusty Rodriguez and Regina Redmond make in Yellowstone National Park?

They discovered that tropical panic grass, living on the edge of geysers and hot springs, had a symbiotic relationship with a specific fungus, Curvularia protuberata, which helped the grass survive in extremely hot soil temperatures.

What was the surprising result of the experiment where the Curvularia fungus was separated from the panic grass?

The experiment showed that neither the fungus nor the plant could grow above a certain temperature when separated, indicating their mutual dependence for survival in extreme heat.

How does the symbiotic relationship between plants and fungi help them cope with stress?

The fungi communicate with the plant in a way that helps the plant remain calm and less stressed during periods of stress, such as extreme heat.

What was the outcome when Rusty and Regina introduced a similar fungus to watermelon plants?

The watermelon plants became heat tolerant within 24 hours of being sprayed with the fungus, demonstrating the potential for introducing new symbioses to enhance plant resilience.

What broader applications does Rusty Rodriguez see for his discovery of plant-fungi symbiosis?

Rusty Rodriguez sees potential in using fungi to make crop plants more resilient in a warming world, potentially helping to ensure food security in the face of climate change.

What safety concerns were addressed regarding the use of fungi in agriculture?

Rusty Rodriguez and his team have conducted extensive research on the ecology of the fungi, testing for toxicity and pathogenicity, to ensure that they are safe for use in agriculture.

What are the benefits of the fungi that Rusty Rodriguez and his team are working with in agriculture?

The fungi they are working with confer heat tolerance, drought tolerance, and salt tolerance to plants, which are crucial for enhancing plant resilience in various environmental conditions.

How long have Rusty Rodriguez and his team been field testing their approach to enhancing plant resilience?

They have been field testing their approach around the world for the last five years, with remarkable results.

What is the significance of the symbiotic relationship between plants and fungi in the context of global challenges like climate change?

The symbiotic relationship between plants and fungi could play a crucial role in making plants more resilient to extreme conditions, thereby helping to secure food supply in the face of a changing climate and increasing global population.