Cocktail of Fungi and Bacteria Enhances Tree Growth by up to 40 Percent

Reforestation efforts could get a boost from a number of strains of fungi and bacteria, a new study shows.

Led by scientists from the Center of Research and Advanced Studies, the study found that certain types of fungi and bacteria accelerated the growth of different species of trees by as much as 40 percent.

The discovery could prove vital to the work of reforestation, which frequently faces the challenge of maintaining the survival of species after they are planted.

"We proved that in a period of three years oaks, pines, mesquites and acacias between two and three meters high can be obtained, which generally occurs in six or seven years," Victor Olalde Portgual, a researcher in the center's biotechnology and biochemistry, said in a statement.

When applied to fruit trees, the plants reach fruit development in three to four years, rather than six, the researchers found.

The beneficial bacteria are located in the area surrounding the root and include a group called "growth promoters" that aid in the plant's development and protect it from pathogenic microorganisms.

Myccorrhizal fungi, meanwhile, foster the biochemical communication necessary for the trees to adapt once transplanted. The microorganism is also responsible for foraging territory beyond the roots' reach for any elements that may help them grow. Finally, plants with myccorrhizal perform photosynthesis more efficiently, meaning they need less waters.

Because not all bacteria and fungi perform with the same efficiency, however, "a very important part of the research consisted in selecting the best strains specific for oaks, pines, mesquites, acacias and fruit trees," Portugal explained.

Beyond reforestation of timber species, the researchers said they are currently working with agave and nopal, which are specific to arid areas, with the expectation that they will one day produce a mix available to anything from companies looking to avoid agrochemicals to nurseries.