Spatial characterization of bacterial and fungal communities in Trichoderma-infected Trachymyrmex septentrionalis fungus garden
The study aimed to investigate how both bacterial and fungal communities are spatially structured within a fungus garden of the ant species, Trachymyrmex septentrionalis, that was infected by Trichoderma. By combining 3D mapping with amplicon sequencing, the researchers sought to understand how factors like infection severity and ant behavior influence microbial distribution. This work is relevant because it advances our understanding of host-associated microbial ecosystems, particularly in non-traditional models, and highlights the complex ecological interactions that shape symbiotic environments.