In order to better observe that relationship, scientists have created plants with roots that turn red when infiltrated by beneficial fungi. Arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi occur naturally in the soil ...

Plants seem to pipe sunlight directly down into underground roots to help them grow. Light receptors in stems, leaves and flowers have long been known to regulate plant growth.

A global analysis deep in soil found 20% of plants studied have an unexpected deeper set of roots more than 3 feet underground.