Direct evidence of apex–hypha interactions during vegetative growth of fungal thallus via comprehensive network and trajectory extraction

Abstract The mycelium of a filamentous fungus is a growing, branching network of numerous entangled hyphae exhibiting polarized apical growth. Expansion occurs during the vegetative phase from a single ascospore, driven by the need to explore and occupy surrounding space—limiting competitors, enhancing nutrient uptake and promoting spore dispersal. Radial, rapid and rectilinear growth combined with frequent branching appears adaptive. However, passive growth without interactions or feedback may produce suboptimal networks, as neither local density nor potential connectivity is considered. Reorientations of the apex near existing hyphae suggest apex–hypha feedback. Yet, the diversity of behaviours, spontaneous fluctuations and limited apical trajectories studied leave open the question of active regulation. To investigate possible apex–hypha interactions, we analyse a dataset of Podospora anserina thallus growth by reconstructing all apical trajectories post-branching and fitting them with a classical Langevin model that incorporates potential interactions. Comparing isolated and non-isolated hyphae trajectories allows us to identify a clear signature of interaction composed of abrupt deceleration and reorientation. This work opens the path towards a systematic exploration of hyphal interactions.