Hyphae-Appleseed: Fungi May Play a Role in Farming and Distributing Bacteria

In a recent article published by the Proceedings of The Royal Society of Biology, a team of researchers noted the possible farming of bacteria by fungi, particularly the edible (and quite sought after) Morchella crassipes.

Figure from Pion et al showing the appearance and distribution of bacteria on M. crassipes hyphae networks via phase contrast microscopy.

By following the production and transfer of “crops” in the form of carbon-13 released by bacteria, researchers were able to show how fungal hyphae (the “roots” of the fungus) can act as both a distribution highway and grazing grounds for certain bacterial species. This research further highlights the complex relationships between microorganisms and serves to show how the human notion of farming may apply to organisms at the microscopic level.

Original Article:  Pion, Martin et al. (2013). Bacterial farming by the fungus Morchella crassipes. Proc. R. Soc.B 280:1173