Tag: ectomycorrhizal fungi

close up view of mycorrhizal fungi on plant roots in a sandy soil.

The Hidden Work of Mycorrhizal Fungi in Agriculture and Forests

by Mike Loizzo
November 17, 2025

Mycorrhizal fungi play an often unseen but vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. These small, subterranean powerhouses sustain both agricultural productivity and forest resilience through their partnerships with plants. Two recent UF/IFAS ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research
Tags: Agricultural Ecosystems, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, Ectomycorrhizal Fungi, Forest Ecosystems, Holly Andres, Kaile Zhang, Mycorrhizal Fungi, Soil Water And Ecosystem Sciences, Sunny Liao
Schlerodema Fungus

Q and A: I noticed mushrooms growing under my oak tree. They barely make it out of the ground and never get too big. In the end, they break open and expel a lot of black dust. What are they and will they hurt my tree?

by Stephen Brown
December 8, 2017

From David, Lehigh Acres Answer: This is a species of Scleroderma. These are ectomycorrhizal fungi that form symbiotic relationships with some tree, particularly pines and oaks here in Florida, but also some other species (for example, ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Ectomycorrhizal Fungi, Horticulture, Lee County, Oak Fungus, Schleroderma Fungus, Steohen Brown

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