Understand fungi, understand forests

Forests are home to diverse organisms that influence each other as they grow. Understanding the structure of their ecosystems is essential for proper forest management and conservation. Fungi play a unique role in this, contributing positively and negatively to forest maintenance. They can promote tree growth by decomposing hard-to-break-down substances or forming symbiotic relationships, but they can also bring trees to the brink of extinction. However, fungi, with their thread-like structures just a few micrometers in diameter, are invisible to the naked eye, and much about their diversity and functions remains unknown. By steadily uncovering what kind of fungi are located where and what roles they play, I hope to deepen our understanding of forests and improve their management.

URL

https://kdb.iimc.kyoto-u.ac.jp/profile_private/en.5032c1e27a631f56.html