Community ecology - All that makes fungus gardens grow

The discovery of a parasitic yeast draws attention to the ways that pathogens can stabilize ant agriculture and other symbiotic networks. Researchers have found that the fungus gardens thrive because of an intricate web of bacteria and fungi that includes both pests, such as a newly discovered black yeast, and partners, including bacteria that keep pathogens in check. The ants use the harvest to fertilize hundreds of separate fungus gardens. Their inconspicuous colonies are tended by as few as a dozen workers that scavenge bits of detritus to feed a spongy handful of fungus. Ant queen leaves home to mate and find a new colony. A little mouthful of the fungus is required start a garden by the queen. The microbial complexity underlying the ant-fungus symbiosis is being explored.