Trees are found to harbor an astounding number of microorganisms, reaching up to one trillion

In a groundbreaking study, scientists at the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) in Brandenburg, Germany, including Prof. Monika Wulf, Katharina Helming, and Prof. Frank Ewert, have delved into the world of tree microbiomes. Their research may open up new questions about the roles these microscopic organisms play in tree aging, defense, and decay.

The study reveals that maple trees, in particular, harbour a high abundance of microbes adept at breaking down sugars. This finding could potentially pave the way for exploring whether managing or modifying wood microbiomes could help improve forest resilience or carbon cycling.

Prof. Gewirtzman, a key researcher in this field, suggests that tree microbiomes could be deployed for various purposes, such as forest management or biotechnology applications. The study further shows that different microbial communities change gas concentrations inside these woods, adding another layer of complexity to the intricate relationship between trees and their microscopic inhabitants.

However, it's important to note that it's still too early for Gewirtzman's group to start monitoring tree microbiomes to measure climate impacts and forest health, according to Michael Köhler, a botanist. The study suggests that these specialized microbiomes found in different parts of wood (with denser heartwood dominated by anaerobic microbes and sapwood containing more oxygen-requiring microbes) and in different tree species could answer big picture questions about how climate change impacts trees.

Yet, it remains unclear whether these specialized microbiomes affect the health of their tree hosts. More studies are needed to understand how microbiomes affect wider forest health. As our understanding of tree microbiomes grows, so too does the potential for harnessing their power to help protect and manage our forests in the face of climate change.

Trees are found to harbor an astounding number of microorganisms, reaching up to one trillion