Orchid plants nurture their seedlings via an underground fungal network, new research has revealed.
) is found all over the UK. These orchids produce tiny seeds that can be carried anywhere by the wind, yet they often appear in clumps with small seedlings growing near mature plants. This phenomenon has puzzled ecologists since Darwin's time, with the exact reason remaining a mystery.
Professor Katie Field, co-author of the study and Professor of Plant-Soil Processes at the University of Sheffield's School of Biosciences, said:"Our results support the idea that some orchids engage in a form of 'parental nurture' with their seedlings. By supplying early stage seedlings with essential nutrients via shared fungal connections, the parent orchids give the seedlings an advantage over neighbouring plants that are competing for the same resources.
The green plants were then exposed to a special form of carbon dioxide that could be tracked within the system. Sir David Read, Emeritus Professor of Plant Sciences from the University of Sheffield and lead author of the study, said:"Whereas the seeds of most plants, for example legumes and grasses are fully provisioned with food reserves by their parent plants, the so-called dust seeds of orchids receive insufficient reserves from the parents to develop on their own.
This research has important implications for understanding orchid ecology and conservation efforts. By recognising the importance of fungal connections, scientists can develop better strategies for protecting these unique and often threatened plants.
Fungus Seeds Nature Rainforests Grassland Global Warming Air Quality
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Review: ‘Turret’ by A Red Orchid is Michael Shannon doing his intense best workWe never find out why the world outside has ended, except that there has been some kind of war and we are watching the fate of the losers.
Read more »
Orchid plants nurture their seedlings via shared underground fungal network, study showsThe Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) is found all over the U.K. These orchids produce tiny seeds that can be carried anywhere by the wind, yet they often appear in clumps with small seedlings growing near mature plants. This phenomenon has puzzled ecologists since Darwin's time, with the exact reason remaining a mystery.
Read more »
A Red Orchid’s new play ‘Turret’ has a father’s ghost — and Michael Shannon trapped in a bunkerPlaywright Levi Holloway said he began writing the play after the death of his father, and he could hear the current cast in his head while writing it.
Read more »
The Book Club: Susan Orlean’s “The Library Book” and more short reviews from readersOrlean here maintains the excellent reputation established in her superb novel, “The Orchid Thief.”
Read more »
Actor Michael Shannon returns to Chicago stage in 'Turret' at Chopin TheatreMichael Shannon credits his time on the Chicago stage for teaching him how to act, and he's back home to prove it. The two-time Oscar nominee is starring in a new play from A Red Orchid Theatre, which he co-founded over three decades ago.
Read more »
Bioengineered enzyme creates natural vanillin from plants in one stepVanilla extract is one of the most widely used flavoring compounds in food products and cosmetics. The pleasant and sweet smell of this classic flavor is imparted by the chemical compound 'vanillin' found in the seed pods of vanilla plants belonging to the orchid family.
Read more »