The International Collection of Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (INVAM), a critical global repository of symbiotic soil fungi, is facing potential closure due to expiring funding and proposed budget reductions. Researchers and agricultural experts warn that the loss of this biobank could significantly hinder progress in sustainable agriculture and plant health research worldwide.
INVAM maintains a diverse collection of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), microorganisms that form mutualistic relationships with plant roots. These fungi play a crucial role in nutrient uptake, soil fertility, and overall crop productivity. The repository serves as a key resource for scientists studying plant-fungi interactions, soil microbiomes, and climate-resilient agriculture practices.
Experts emphasize that shutting down INVAM would not only disrupt ongoing research but also limit access to fungal strains essential for developing environmentally friendly fertilizers, improving crop resilience, and reducing chemical input dependence. “The biobank is an irreplaceable global resource for both fundamental research and practical applications in sustainable agriculture,” said Dr. Maria Gonzalez, a soil microbiologist.
The funding gap comes at a critical time, as interest in leveraging beneficial soil microbes for climate-smart farming, regenerative agriculture, and ecosystem restoration grows. INVAM’s closure could delay innovations in these fields and compromise international collaboration in soil microbiome research.
Scientists and advocacy groups are calling on governments, research institutions, and private stakeholders to secure immediate support for INVAM. They stress that continued investment is vital to maintain global access to fungal genetic diversity and to sustain initiatives aimed at improving soil health and agricultural productivity.
As policymakers evaluate budget priorities, the future of INVAM hangs in the balance, highlighting the urgent need to protect essential scientific infrastructure that underpins sustainable agriculture and food security efforts worldwide.
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