Challenges for mycorrhizal research into the new millennium

Some future directions for mycorrhizal research are discussed. Data from The IPCC Third Assessment Reports 2001 on elevated carbon dioxide the concentration and consequences regarding global climate change, form the basis for arguments that a better understanding of the mycorrhizal activities with regard to controlling carbon flow and plant nutrient flow is essential. Mycorrhiza can be regarded as energy and nutrient switches in the plant roots and it is suggested that more studies on mycorrhizal carbon relations are necessary. The impact of the genomic research era on mycorrhizal research is suggested to be of major importance during the years to come, and it is claimed that stronger interactions between different disciplines will be essential.