Tree Root Peptides That Help Beneficial Fungi Form Symbiotic Partnerships | Research

The takeaway

Genome-wide analysis identifies CLE peptides from poplar trees that promote ectomycorrhizal fungal symbiosis, revealing plant peptide roles in tree-fungus partnerships.

CLE peptides promote symbiosis
Poplar tree peptides actively recruit and support beneficial ectomycorrhizal fungi

What the researchers found

Genome-wide analysis identified poplar CLE peptides that promote ectomycorrhizal symbiosis, revealing plant small secreted peptide roles in tree-fungus association.

Why it matters

Understanding how trees communicate with beneficial fungi could improve forestry, ecosystem restoration, and carbon sequestration efforts.

How the study worked

Genome-wide identification and characterization of responsive small secreted peptides in poplar, with functional analysis of CLE peptides in ectomycorrhizal symbiosis.

What this study cannot tell us

Poplar-specific study — peptide functions may differ in other tree species. Lab conditions may not fully reflect field-level symbiotic dynamics.

How to read the evidence

Genomics and functional biology study — identifies and validates peptide functions in a model tree system.

When this study was published

Published in 2026; advances understanding of plant peptide signaling in symbiosis.

The bigger picture

Plant peptide signaling controls some of the most important ecological relationships on Earth — understanding these signals could help manage forests and combat climate change.

Questions still open

Could synthetic CLE peptides be used to enhance tree-fungus partnerships in restoration projects?
Do other tree species use similar peptide signals for mycorrhizal recruitment?

Common questions

How do trees communicate with fungi?

Trees produce small signaling peptides including CLE peptides that help recruit and maintain beneficial fungal partners on their roots. These partnerships help trees absorb nutrients and water.

What is ectomycorrhizal symbiosis?

Ectomycorrhiza is a partnership between tree roots and soil fungi where the fungus wraps around root tips, helping the tree absorb nutrients while receiving sugars in return. Most forest trees depend on these partnerships.

Read the original research

Poplar CLE peptides promoting ectomycorrhizal symbiosis identified through genome-wide analysis of responsive small secreted peptides.

Plant physiology, 200(3)

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Bonnot, Clémence; Morin, Emmanuelle; Da Silva Machado, Emilie; Veneault-Fourrey, Claire; Kohler, Annegret; Martin, Francis. (2026). Poplar CLE peptides promoting ectomycorrhizal symbiosis identified through genome-wide analysis of responsive small secreted peptides.. Plant physiology, 200(3). https://doi.org/10.1093/plphys/kiag071