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Mycorrhizal Networks Facilitate Tree Communication, Learning, and Memory

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Memory and Learning in Plants

Part of the book series: Signaling and Communication in Plants ((SIGCOMM))

Abstract

Mycorrhizal fungal networks linking the roots of trees in forests are increasingly recognized to facilitate inter-tree communication via resource, defense, and kin recognition signaling and thereby influence the sophisticated behavior of neighbors. These tree behaviors have cognitive qualities, including capabilities in perception, learning, and memory, and they influence plant traits indicative of fitness. Here, I present evidence that the topology of mycorrhizal networks is similar to neural networks, with scale-free patterns and small-world properties that are correlated with local and global efficiencies important in intelligence. Moreover, the multiple exploration strategies of interconnecting fungal species have parallels with crystallized and fluid intelligence that are important in memory-based learning. The biochemical signals that transmit between trees through the fungal linkages are thought to provide resource subsidies to receivers, particularly among regenerating seedlings, and some of these signals appear to have similarities with neurotransmitters. I provide examples of neighboring tree behavioral, learning, and memory responses facilitated by communication through mycorrhizal networks, including, respectively, (1) enhanced understory seedling survival, growth, nutrition, and mycorrhization, (2) increased defense chemistry and kin selection, and (3) collective memory-based interactions among trees, fungi, salmon, bears, and people that enhance the health of the whole forest ecosystem. Viewing this evidence through the lens of tree cognition, microbiome collaborations, and forest intelligence may contribute to a more holistic approach to studying ecosystems and a greater human empathy and caring for the health of our forests.

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Acknowledgments

I thank my graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and collaborators who contributed to this research on mycorrhizal networks over the years, including Amanda Asay, Jason Barker, Marcus Bingham, Camille Defrenne, Julie Deslippe, Dan Durall, Monika Gorzelak, Melanie Jones, Justine Karst, Allen Larocque, Deon Louw, Katie McMahen, Gabriel Orrego, Huamani Orrego, Julia Amerongen Maddison, Greg Pec, Leanne Philip, Brian Pickles, Teresa Ryan, Laura Super, Francois Teste, Brendan Tweig, and Matt Zustovic. This research was supported by a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Discovery Grant to SWS.

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  1. Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Suzanne W. Simard

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  1. Suzanne W. Simard
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Correspondence to Suzanne W. Simard .

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  1. Department of Plant Cell Biology, IZMB, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany

    Frantisek Baluska

  2. School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Autralia, Australia

    Monica Gagliano

  3. Telos- Philosophische Praxis, Buermoos, Salzburg, Austria

    Guenther Witzany

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Simard, S.W. (2018). Mycorrhizal Networks Facilitate Tree Communication, Learning, and Memory. In: Baluska, F., Gagliano, M., Witzany, G. (eds) Memory and Learning in Plants. Signaling and Communication in Plants. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-75596-0_10

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