Fungal Dispersal Across Spatial Scales

Fungi play key roles in ecosystems and human societies as decomposers, nutrient cyclers, mutualists, and pathogens. Estimates suggest that roughly 3-13 million fungal species exist worldwide, yet considerable knowledge gaps exist regarding the mechanisms and consequences, both ecological and social, of fungal dispersal from local to global scales. In this review, we summarize concepts underlying fungal dispersal, review recent research, and explore how fungi possess unique characteristics that can broaden our understanding of general dispersal ecology. We highlight emerging frontiers in fungal dispersal research that integrate technological advances with trait-based ecology, movement ecology, social-ecological systems, and work in unexplored environments. Outstanding research questions across these themes are presented to stimulate theoretical and empirical research in fungal dispersal ecology. Advances in fungal dispersal will improve our understanding of fungal community assembly and biogeography across a range of spatial scales, with implications for ecosystem functioning, global food security, and human health.

Automated summary

Fungi play important roles in ecosystems and societies, but there are still many unknowns about their dispersal mechanisms and consequences at local and global scales. This review summarizes the concept of fungal dispersal, reviews recent research, and explores the unique characteristics of fungi in dispersal ecology. It also presents research questions to stimulate further studies on fungal dispersal.