Underground Explorers

This project investigates how European beech trees adapt to climate change, particularly drought, through their partnership with ectomycorrhizal fungi. We study beech forests across nine sites in Romania, spanning from lowland areas to high mountain regions, including some of the country’s oldest and most pristine forests. These fungi play a crucial role in helping trees absorb nutrients, especially under stress. By examining how ectomycorrhizal communities vary with climate and elevation, we aim to better understand their role in supporting forest health. Using a combination of DNA sequencing, soil analysis, and plant trait data, our research reveals how forests respond to environmental challenges and highlights the importance of protecting belowground biodiversity as part of broader conservation efforts.