If you are interested in the world of plants, I would recommend the book “In Defense of Plants: An Exploration into the Wonder of Plants” by Matt Candeias. This book simplifies the complex ecology and evolution of plants by using examples of common household and gardening plants. The writer being a PhD in plant ecology … Continue reading Book Recommendation: In Defense of Plants →

Keith Clay is an ecologist who focuses on grass-endophyte symbiosis. He is currently teaching at Tulane university after 32 years at University of Indiana and currently serves as the head of the department of ecology and evolutionary biology. His research is incredibly successful and widespread amongst those who study endophytes, according to google scholar his … Continue reading My Birth year Article Author: Keith Clay →

Soil contamination is a major environmental problem, affecting the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems. Traditional soil remediation methods, such as chemical and physical treatments, can be expensive, energy-intensive, and have negative environmental impacts. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) offer a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for soil remediation. AMF can enhance the degradation of organic pollutants, … Continue reading Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Soil Remediation →

Forestry is a critical industry worldwide, providing wood, fiber, and other products, as well as valuable ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, soil conservation, and wildlife habitat. However, traditional forestry practices can have negative impacts on soil health and biodiversity, affecting the long-term sustainability of forests. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can play a crucial role … Continue reading The Role of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Sustainable Forestry →

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing agriculture. Increasing temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and extreme weather events are affecting crop productivity and food security worldwide. However, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) may provide a solution to this problem. AMF can enhance crop growth, yield, and nutrient uptake, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and improving … Continue reading Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi: A Key to Climate Resilient Agriculture →

Ecological restoration aims to repair and restore ecosystems that have been damaged or destroyed by human activities. However, traditional restoration approaches often focus on restoring plant communities without considering the critical role of soil microorganisms, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). AMF play a crucial role in facilitating the establishment and growth of plant communities, … Continue reading Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi: The Missing Link in Ecological Restoration →

Plants are essential for sustaining life on earth. They produce oxygen, sequester carbon, and provide food for animals and humans. However, plants cannot do this alone. They rely on a network of microorganisms, including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), to obtain the necessary nutrients and water for growth. Recent research has revealed that the diversity of … Continue reading Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi: The Hidden Helpers in Plant Ecology →

In Fungal Endophyte Symbiosis and Plant Diversity in Successional Fields, Clay and Holah aim to improve the understanding of the impact of endophyte infection within Tall fescue (Festuca arundinace) on biodiversity and succession. To do this, they seeded 8 20x20m plots of land with Tall fescue seeds, half of which had a high rate of infection form … Continue reading Summary of my Birth Year Article →