Celebrating Fungi: Essential Role in Ecosystem Health

According to UConn researcher Mia Maltz, fungi play an important role in supporting ecosystems by preventing erosion, clearing polluted environments, promoting biodiversity and sequestering carbon. Maltz, an assistant professor in the Department of Plant and Soil Science, researches how fungi contribute to ecosystem health and recovery. Maltz demonstrates the ability of fungi to connect soil to water through root-like mycelium, helping plants to regrow after disturbances such as fire. His research focuses on how fungi can restore damaged landscapes by complementing key microbial functions. For example, native mushroom spores can improve plant diversity and help ecosystems recover from wildfires and other major disturbances. His recent work examines the long-term effects of environmental events such as the eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980. Maltz's research has shown that gophers help fill the gap. of fungi in problem areas by disturbing soil layers and spreading biological organisms. A more diverse microbial environment supports plant regrowth and improved mineral biodiversity, contributing to the long-term recovery of the ecosystem. Maltz is also investigating the ability of fungi to detoxify environments polluted by heavy metals. Some fungi can neutralize pollutants and break down complex substances such as hydrocarbons and help clean contaminated areas. Maltz analyzes the genes of these fungi to identify traits that allow them to survive in harsh conditions. Currently, he is working with soil scientists in Connecticut to assess the impact of past forest management practices on soil health. Maltz also plans to investigate how fungi on tree roots can protect against plant diseases and how fungi can help clean up cities polluted by heavy metals. Through his work, Maltz aims to harness the ecological potential of fungi to address environmental challenges facing the region.