Trees: Rotten Roots

Series

Series Name: Living Tomorrow

Issue

Issue No.

212

Date Released

1977

Length of issue (in feet)

522

Stories in this Issue:

Story

Story No. within this Issue

2 / 3

Summary

COI synopsis: To satisfy the increasing demand for timber in a world where timber resources are decreasing, scientists in Britain are making a concerted effort to understand more about a little known subject - trees. Not all the fungi found in the forests are indicators of death, decomposition or disease. Fungi that blossom briefly each autumn as a fairy ring of toadstools actually promote growth in the birch tree. The fungus wraps itself like cotton wool round the tree roots. In effect it creates a larger root volume for the tree. It helps it gather in more nutrients from the ground. As a result, the tree grows stronger and healthier. And now, the search is on for just one member of the species of fungus that helps the birch trees, just one member that will promote growth and nurture those trees in semi-deserts or in swamps.

Keywords

Science and technology; Forestry

Written sources

COI Microfilm Roll 52 [BFI National Archive] Used for synopsis

COI Reference

MI 1458/212

Credits:

Sponsor: Central Office of Information (COI)
Sponsor: Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Cutter: Fred Goodland

This series is held by:

Film Archive

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Record Stats