Ectomycorrhizal Fungi on Treeroot (IMAGE) University of Maryland Caption Trees derive nutrients from beneficial fungi on their roots. A new study shows that ectomycorrhizal fungi, such as this white fuzzy-looking fungi coating the root in the image above, may protect trees from pathogens compared with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, which bores into roots and may provide a pathway for harmful fungi. Credit Yonglong Wang/Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.