Beyond ICOM8: perspectives on advances in mycorrhizal research from 2015 to 2017

This report reviews important advances in mycorrhizal research that occurred during the past 2 years. We highlight major advancements both within and across levels of biological organization and describe areas where greater integration has led to unique insights. Particularly active areas of research include exploration of the mechanisms underpinning the development of the mycorrhizal symbiosis, the mycorrhizal microbiome, comparisons among types of mycorrhizas from molecular to ecosystem scales, the extent and function of mycorrhizal networks and enhanced understanding of the role of mycorrhizas in carbon dynamics from local to global scales. The top-tier scientific journals have acknowledged mycorrhizas to be complex adaptive systems that play key roles in the development of communities and ecosystem processes. Understanding the mechanisms driving these large-scale effects requires integration of knowledge across scales of biological organization.