Back to roots – The role of ectomycorrhizal fungi in temperate and boreal forests restoration

POLICELLI, NAHUEL

Oporto

Conferencia; Conference in the Park - Fungi in Ecosystem Restoration; 2022

SERRALVES

Forest trees rely on symbiotic soil fungi to survive, grow, and tolerate harsh environmental conditions. Whether and how these fungi can benefit temperate and boreal forest restoration projects is yet an open question. We compiled the evidence showing how actively using a group of fungal symbionts, ectomycorrhizal fungi, can help achieve promising restoration goals in sites contaminated with heavy metals, affected by soil erosion, and degraded due to clearcut logging and wildfire. Based on that evidence, we will discuss the limitations, knowledge gaps, and possible undesired outcomes of the use of ectomycorrhizal fungi in forest restoration. Even when considering these limitations, taking into account ectomycorrhizal fungi–host interactions could improve the chances of success of future restoration programs in boreal and temperate forests.