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An experimental approach to study foraging memory in ectomycorrhizal mycelium
André Geremia Parise1,2, Vinicius Henrique De Oliveira2, Francesco Tamagnini3
1School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK.
Communicative & Integrative Biology
|November 12, 2025
Summary
This study explored fungal memory in Laccaria bicolor, finding no evidence of directional growth retention after nutrient exposure. The developed methods offer a framework for future fungal behavior research.
Area of Science:
- Fungal behavioral ecology
- Mycology
- Plant-fungal interactions
Background:
- Behavioral ecology of fungi is an emerging field.
- Understanding fungal responses to stimuli requires specialized methodologies.
- Fungal cognition and behavior research is advancing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and apply an experimental approach for testing memory in the ectomycorrhizal fungus Laccaria bicolor.
- To investigate if Laccaria bicolor mycelium retains directional information about a nutrient source (pea cotyledons).
Main Methods:
- Developed an experimental approach to assess memory in Laccaria bicolor.
- Exposed mycelium to pea cotyledons, then transferred a portion to fresh medium.
- Assessed memory by measuring asymmetrical growth toward the former nutrient source position.
Main Results:
- The hypothesis that Laccaria bicolor retains directional information about nutrient sources was not supported.
- No evidence of memory was found in the tested conditions.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a methodological framework for exploring fungal behavior in ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic species.
- Highlights the importance of publishing negative results in scientific research.
- Offers tools to advance the study of fungal cognition and behavior.
