Dating in the dark- The underground world of plant-microbe relationships

Associate Professor Eloise Foo will discuss her research on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis — the intimate association that can form between the roots of more than 80% of plant species and a group of soil fungi — presented with images.

Plant: Lonely plant looking for long-term fungal relationship, to help me explore new places and find the nutrients I need. I have lots of carbon to give !!

Fungi: Fungi seeking plant. I’m an avid explorer and collector of nutrients. Contact me ASAP-I literally can’t survive without you!

(AM) symbiosis is the intimate association that can form between the roots of more than 80% of plant species and a group of soil fungi. AM associations can promote plant health by enhancing nutrient uptake, drought tolerance and resistance to soil pathogens.

Dr Eloise Foo is an ARC Future Fellow at the School of Biological Sciences. She is interested in how plants interact with their environment and how this is regulated by plant hormones: small, mobile, potent signals. She has contributed to the discovery of and current understanding of the newest plant hormone group, strigolactones, and has defined novel roles for plant hormones in plants relationships with beneficial and pathogenic microbes.

ALISON POULIOT is an ecologist and professional environmental photographer with a focus on fungi. Her work spans both northern and southern hemispheres where she is actively involved in teaching, research and conservation. Alison is author of The Allure of Fungi, Wild Mushrooming, Underground Lovers, Funga Obscura and Mushroom Day. www.alisonpouliot.com

Alison will be launching her new book, Mushroom Day, a 24-hour global foray that spotlights 24 fungus species as they spread spores, find food, and adapt to a changing planet. Each chapter takes us to another country, introducing a special fungus in all its quirks and curiosities – from rare, to bioluminescent, to those that have helped shape the course of history.

On this mushroom-filled day, ecologist Alison Pouliot tours the world to introduce a fascinating variety of fungi. Each chapter of Mushroom Day introduces a single fungus during a single hour, highlighting twenty-four different species. For each hour, celebrated artist Stuart Patience has depicted these scenes with evocative pen and ink illustrations.