Mycorrhizal fungi are critical to life on Earth. They have symbiotic relationships with surrounding plant life and are vital for the growth and health of forests. Today we are joined by Dr. Suzanne Simard, one most influential researchers on these fungi. Suzanne has largely contributed to the scientific acknowledgment to mycorrhizal ecology, as well as creating awareness about their critical role in local and global ecosystems.

As we learn more about these subterranean networks, their function in the world more and more vital. We are in an era where we are losing our forests faster than we can understand (let alone protect) what we truly lose from deforestation. Suzanne is sounding the alarm by proclaiming what we've discovered so far. We discuss what we do know about the vitality of mycorrhizal communities, current and predicted repercussions of disturbing them, and how we can support their restoration.

Topics covered:

A dive into Suzanne’s personal and professional journey
Why old growth forests are imperative
What our world would look if we did not have mycorrhizal fungi
The function of mycorrhizal communities in local and global ecosystems
Dark septate endophytic fungi and other forms of fungal symbiosis
Suzanne’s book “Finding the Mother Tree”

Show notes:

Suzanne’s website: https://mothertreeproject.org/

Lessons from fungi - Toby Kiers Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/toby_kiers_lessons_from_fungi_on_markets_and_economics?language=en

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