Could Fungi Be the Missing Ingredient for Growing Food on Mars?

• A recent review in Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences suggests that fungi could be a potential solution for growing food on Mars and the Moon, as they might help overcome nutrient deficiencies and abiotic stress in extraterrestrial regolith. The review highlights the importance of fungi in nutrient cycling on Earth and examines whether they could be tested on extraterrestrial materials. - The authors identify Trichoderma as a promising candidate due to its ability to reduce abiotic stress and improve nutrient availability. However, the review notes that experiments using real regolith, not synthetic substitutes, are needed to determine if these fungi can successfully support plant growth in space. - The review emphasizes that while fungi could help make regolith more suitable for agriculture, the development of self-sustaining Martian or lunar farms remains a distant goal. The study provides a framework for future research, suggesting that fungi could play a crucial role in transforming regolith into a viable substrate for plant growth.

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