Löf, Magnus
- Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Research article2024Peer reviewed
Robinson, David G.; Ammer, Christian; Polle, Andrea; Bauhus, Juergen; Aloni, Roni; Annighoefer, Peter; Baskin, Tobias I.; Blatt, Michael R.; Bolte, Andreas; Bugmann, Harald; Cohen, Jerry D.; Davies, Peter J.; Draguhn, Andreas; Hartmann, Henrik; Hasenauer, Hubert; Hepler, Peter K.; Kohnle, Ulrich; Lang, Friederike; Lof, Magnus; Messier, Christian;
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There are growing doubts about the true role of the common mycorrhizal networks (CMN or wood wide web) connecting the roots of trees in forests. We question the claims of a substantial carbon transfer from ‘mother trees’ to their offspring and nearby seedlings through the CMN. Recent reviews show that evidence for the ‘mother tree concept’ is inconclusive or absent. The origin of this concept seems to stem from a desire to humanize plant life but can lead to misunderstandings and false interpretations and may eventually harm rather than help the commendable cause of preserving forests. Two recent books serve as examples: The Hidden Life of Trees and Finding the Mother Tree.
anthropomorphis; mcommon mycorrhizal networks; forest management; mother tree concept; publication policy
Trends in Plant Science
2024, Volume: 29, number: 1, pages: 20-31
SLU Plant Protection Network
SLU Forest Damage Center
Forest Science
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tplants.2023.08.010
https://res.slu.se/id/publ/128310