Threat to the US’s “Living Library” of Soil Fungi

A major scientific resource in the United States—the International Collection of Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (INVAM)—is at risk of closing due to federal funding cuts. The Guardian+1

What is INVAM?
INVAM, based at the University of Kansas, is the world’s largest living collection of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, with more than 900 distinct strains preserved from around the globe. These fungi form symbiotic partnerships with the roots of about 70 % of all land plant species, helping plants absorb nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen, increasing drought tolerance, and boosting resilience against diseases. The Guardian

Funding Crisis Could Shut It Down

• The collection has relied on successive federal grants, especially from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), since its creation in 1985. The Guardian

• Its latest NSF funding expired in May 2025, and the proposed federal science budget for 2026 could cut research funding drastically, making future support unlikely. Without new grants, experts say INVAM might only operate for about one more year. The Guardian

• Unlike seeds that can be frozen long‑term, AM fungal spores must be continuously cultivated and cared for in living host plants—a labor‑intensive process that requires skilled staff. If funding ends, these fungi could die off, and the collection could be lost. The Guardian

Why These Fungi Matter

Essential for Plants: AM fungi help plants access nutrients and withstand environmental stress — crucial for agriculture and natural ecosystems. The Guardian
Carbon Storage & Soil Health: They act as underground carbon sinks and improve soil structure, making soils more fertile and resilient. EurekAlert!
Ecosystem Restoration: INVAM’s strains have played a key role in restoring degraded landscapes (e.g., converting weed‑dominated fields back into biodiverse prairie). inkl
Biofertilizers & Sustainable Farming: Although most commercial fungal biofertilizer products have been shown to perform poorly, high‑quality, research‑validated fungal inoculants can reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers and enhance sustainable agriculture. inkl

What Experts Are Saying

Scientists and ecologists warn that losing INVAM would be like “closing the Louvre for artists” — an irreplaceable repository of evolutionary history and a critical asset for research into soil ecology, climate adaptation, and regenerative agriculture. The Guardian

Researchers emphasize that mycorrhizal fungi are vital ecosystem engineers—they play foundational roles in nutrient cycling and plant life that we are only beginning to fully understand. Many fear that if federal investment in basic science continues to decline, crucial biological resources like INVAM could disappear, hindering progress in environmental restoration and sustainable food systems. News Minimalist

In Summary

• INVAM’s future is uncertain due to a lack of federal funding. The Guardian

• These fungi are key for plant growth, soil health, and ecosystem recovery. EurekAlert!

• Closure would be a loss for science and sustainable agriculture worldwide. News Minimalist