Mycorrhizal dispersal: Theoretical and experimental approaches for predicting community structure

Dispersal is a major mechanism that shapes community structure. In arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, dispersal is perceived as highly limited due to the large spore size of certain AM fungal taxa. But how much do we really know about the dispersal capabilities of AM fungi? (Spoiler alert: not much). We are conducting field and laboratory-based research to link wind-dispersal capabilities to fungal traits to build predictive frameworks for variation in dispersal capability among taxa. This work aims to improve our understanding of AM fungal community assembly and biogeography, and inform practical applications regarding the need for inoculation in ecological restoration.