The United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (USDA ARS) is exploring the use of fungi as a sustainable solution to protect crops against pathogens and mycotoxins. Like last week’s story about the aspen trees and their mycorrhizal fungi, the proactive management of pathogens is key. Rising temperatures make the soil a cozy breeding place for dangerous bacteria that can shorten the global food supply. This proactive research project has seven initiatives that deal with crop health, natural fungicides, and soil research.