Fungi could be key to growing food on Mars, review finds

A review in Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences examines how beneficial fungi, including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Trichoderma, could turn nutrient-poor lunar and Martian regolith into a medium suitable for crops. The fungi could address shortages of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, but must first be tested on real regolith rather than simulants.

• Lunar and Martian regolith lacks nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus for plants
• AMF and Trichoderma boost nutrient uptake and ease abiotic stress
• Fungi have already been used aboard the ISS
• Next step is testing on real regolith, not simulants