EuAsiaN-ROOT Project Unveils Collaborative Research on Tree-Root-Mycorrhizal-Pathogen Interactions in Forest Soils
Horizon Europe project Eurasian Network for Collaborative Research on Tree-Root-Mycorrhizal-Pathogen Interactions in Forest Soils (EuAsiaN-ROOT), coordinated by the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, is set to provide an understanding of forests by uncovering the relationships between tree roots, soil microbes, and pathogens across diverse ecosystems in Europe and Asia. By studying forests from tropical Thailand to the Mongolian Taiga, researchers aim to show how underground networks sustain forest health, carbon storage, and nutrient cycling—critical elements in the fight against climate change.
In the forest, a complex web of fine roots, mycorrhizal fungi, and microbial communities work together to sustain the ecosystem. EuAsiaN-ROOT will analyse these underground interactions across an extensive climatic gradient, from humid tropical forests to the cold continental woodlands of Mongolia. "By studying forests across Eurasia, we can better understand how soil fungi, tree roots, and pathogens interact and influence carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling. This will allow us to make informed forest conservation and management decisions," says Professor Douglas L. Godbold, project coordinator.
One of the project's key scientific goals is to investigate how mycorrhizal fungi contribute to carbon storage. Understanding this process is vital for enhancing forests' ability to act as carbon sinks, a crucial function in mitigating climate change. Another critical aspect of the research is the role of soil pathogens in shaping forest composition. Certain fungi protect trees from harmful pathogens, while others contribute to tree mortality. By examining these interactions, EuAsiaN-ROOT aims to identify natural solutions for boosting forest resilience against diseases.
The study will also incorporate cutting-edge technologies, such as deep learning-based image analysis, to identify fungal communities and assess their roles in ecosystem functions. Moreover, researchers will use advanced DNA sequencing to explore the diversity of mycorrhizal fungi and pathogens in different forest types.
The project could lead to innovative strategies for sustainable forestry and reforestation by identifying key fungal species that enhance tree resistance to pathogens. "Our findings will provide essential knowledge for maintaining healthy forests and enhancing their role in carbon sequestration. This is especially crucial as we face increasing environmental challenges such as deforestation and climate change," Associate Professor Boris Rewald explains.
EuAsiaN-ROOT brings together experts from diverse fields, including root ecology, microbiology, soil chemistry, and phytopathology. The project will establish a unified research platform, ensuring that forest studies across different biomes use standardised methodologies for the first time. This will allow for direct comparisons of soil-root interactions between tropical, temperate, and continental forests.
Contacts for more information:
Prof. Douglas Lawrence Godbold, PhD.
+420 545 134 528, douglas.godbold@mendelu.cz
Department of Forest Protection and Wildlife Management LDF MENDELU
Additional information:
The EuAsiaN-ROOT has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under GA No 101182734. It involves Mendel University in Brno, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz University Hannover, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Ente Parco Regionale Campo dei Fiori, Kasetsart University, U.U. Uspanov Kazakh Research Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry, Mongolian Life Science University, and the National University of Mongolia. With its interdisciplinary approach and global perspective, the project is set to redefine how we study and protect the world's forests.
EuAsiaN-ROOT is supported by Horizon Europe’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Staff Exchange. The scheme fosters international research collaborations and career development for researchers and other research-related staff members. MSCA funding enables scientists to engage in high-quality training, interdisciplinary research, and knowledge exchange across countries and sectors. This initiative strengthens scientific networks, enhances innovation potential, and contributes to sustainable environmental solutions at a global scale.
The project Eurasian Network for Collaborative Research on Tree-Root-Mycorrhizal-Pathogen Interactions in Forest Soils (EuAsiaN-ROOT) receives funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.