Oak trees rely on microbes to survive drought and disease

Scientists discover oak trees' microbial communities remain remarkably stable, even under severe stress, suggesting a long-term partnership key to tree resilience.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Recent research has revealed that oak trees rely on intricate communities of microbes living on and inside them to withstand the growing threats of drought, nutrient limitations, and emerging diseases. Despite subjecting oak trees to simulated drought, disrupted nutrient transport, and pathogen exposure, scientists found the core microbial structure remained surprisingly consistent, suggesting a long-term, stable relationship between oak trees and their microbial partners.

Why it matters

Oak trees are iconic symbols of strength and longevity, but they are facing unprecedented challenges from climate change. Understanding the role of microbes in supporting oak tree resilience is crucial for ensuring the long-term health and survival of these vital forest ecosystems, which play a crucial role in carbon storage and biodiversity.

The details

The research, published in Cell Host & Microbe, focused on semi-mature oak trees (around 35 years old) in Norfolk, UK. The study found that while microbial communities varied by location within the tree (leaves, stems, roots), the overall structure remained stable even under significant stress. Subtle shifts were observed in the root zone, with an increase in drought-tolerant bacteria like Actinobacteriota, as well as fungi known to support plant growth. In the stems, however, prolonged stress led to an increase in decay-associated fungi and a decrease in beneficial endophytes, suggesting the tree's internal defenses can be weakened.

  • The research was published on February 12, 2026.

The players

Oak trees

Iconic symbols of strength and longevity that are facing growing threats from climate change, including drought, nutrient limitations, and emerging diseases.

Microbes

Millions of bacteria and fungi that inhabit every part of the oak tree, from the leaves to the roots and surrounding soil, forming intricate communities that play a crucial role in supporting the tree's resilience.

Actinobacteriota

A group of bacteria that increased in abundance in the root zone during prolonged drought, known for their drought-tolerant characteristics like thick cell walls and spore-forming abilities.

Penicillium and Aureobasidium

Fungal genera that became more abundant in response to drought, known to support plant growth.

Ectomycorrhizal fungi

Fungi that form a symbiotic relationship with oak tree roots, extending the tree's reach for water and nutrients while receiving sugars in return, a partnership crucial for oak survival.

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What’s next

Researchers are now focused on understanding the molecular signals that govern the recruitment of beneficial microbes, which could pave the way for innovative strategies to enhance tree resilience, such as microbial inoculation, precision forestry practices, and comparative microbiome studies.

The takeaway

The stability of oak tree microbiomes highlights their potential role in maintaining forest ecosystem stability in the face of climate change, and further research into harnessing the power of these microbial partnerships could be crucial for ensuring the long-term health and resilience of these invaluable ecosystems.