Research (german)
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Ongoing research project FNR
FraxForFuture 2 (FraxRecovery) TV 8
Microbiome optimization of ash seedlings with beneficial fungal species from the Agaricales group
The common ash (Fraxinus excelsior) has no ectomycorrhiza, but AV-mycorrhiza with Glomeromycota. In the completed joint project FraxPath, antagonistic fungal species from the group of imperfect ascomycetes were also detected in ash fine roots using next generation sequencing. Surprisingly, ash fine roots also contain saprotrophic fungal genera that are frequently found in deciduous forests. These are small, stalked, cap-shaped species of the basidiomycete genera Mycena, Mycenella, Delicatula and Mycentinis from the Agaricales group. The aim of the FraxPrime sub-project is to test the results of the completed FraxRhizo project on ash seedlings in an application-oriented manner. For this purpose, fungal species of the above-mentioned genera are collected in ash stands and isolated in pure culture in the laboratory. The isolated pure cultures are molecularly characterized by barcoding and inoculated in vitro on ash seedlings. The success of the inoculation will be evaluated molecularly and the seedlings tested for a priming effect. In the long term, those seedlings with positive priming by fungi will be transplanted into the field.
Completed research projects
The existence of the European ash Fraxinus excelsior is threatened by the Hymenoscyphus fraxineus fungus. In addition to the typical symptoms of ash dieback, stem base necrosis is occurring more frequently in many places, intensifying the damage to the affected trees many times over. Numerous other fungal pathogens have already been detected from stem base necrosis. The aim of the project is the detailed detection and identification of fungal species that are associated with basal tissue damage or are localized in the rhizosphere. For this purpose, wood samples are taken mainly from the marginal areas of the stem base necroses and the fungal species present are isolated in pure culture. DNA is extracted from each morphotype and analyzed. The mycobiome of the rhizosphere is detected using marker DNA sequences. In preliminary studies, in addition to saprobionts and endophytes, a number of plant pathogenic fungal species were also isolated, mostly close to the surface. Botyrosphaeria stevensii and Nectriaceae such as Neonectria punicea and representatives of the species-rich Fusarium solani complex occurred in high frequency. The latter has only been studied and described in broad terms in a forestry context. Furthermore, the inherent role of H. fraxineus in stem base necrosis and the rhizosphere will be investigated. H. fraxineus was found to be the dominant component of the mycobiome of stem base necroses. Up to six H. fra xineus strains have already been found in a necrosis by the applicant. H. fraxineus strains should therefore be determined using microsatellite data. The fungal species isolated from the rhizosphere are to be compared with H. fraxineus in antagonist experiments. Finally, the detected fungal species are to be correlated with the abiotic parameters. The exact knowledge of the function of the mycobiome of the stem base and the rhizosphere opens up possibilities for the promotion of more resistant ash trees.
From 2013, the Hessian Ministry of Science and Art funded the LOEWE priority "Integrative Mushroom Research" (IPF) with around €4.5 million. The following Hessian universities were involved: Goethe University Frankfurt am Main (lead), Philipps University Marburg, Justus Liebig University Giessen, University of Kassel and the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung Frankfurt. The IPF aimed to create innovation by integrating applied and basic research on the use of fungal diversity.
In project area A (PbA) - Exploration of fungal diversity, Prof. Piepenbring (Goethe Univ. Frankfurt, spokesperson), Prof. Kost (Univ. Marburg), Prof. Langer (Univ. Kassel) and Prof. Schmitt (Goethe Univ. Frankfurt) are working on research into the biodiversity of fungi in Hesse and the tropics (Panama, La Réunion and Southwest China)
Project PbA A1 (Prof. Langer, University of Kassel)
From the group of Aphyllophorales (non-leaf fungi), the diversity of corticioid species in particular is poorly studied. However, Aphyllophorales make up two thirds of all natural forest indicator species in Germany. In Hesse, there is evidence of areas with particularly high species diversity of the fungi, especially in the Rhine floodplains, the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park and the Sababurg nature reserve near Kassel. In the tropics, they are one of the most poorly studied groups of fungi, with high potential for new species descriptions and the identification of new substances. Due to their global spore dispersal, they can colonize new habitats over long distances relatively quickly and develop a great diversity of species there. The geologically very young Mascarene island of La Réunion is therefore suitable for substantiating our central hypothesis of a rapid radiation of corticioid species after initial colonization over long distances. La Réunion was identified as a tropical diversity hotspot for this group after preliminary work by our and other research groups. The presence of these fungi is well documented for Reunion Island, but further studies, especially on genetic diversity and chemical characteristics, are still lacking.
We are investigating the fungal flora in the Kellerwald-Edersee Nature and National Park in numerous projects. The discovery of rare species of fungi and beetles, whose existence is acutely endangered, can be used to characterize primeval forests there. The aim of our work is to investigate the role of wood-degrading fungi in the ecosystem.
We have been collecting basic data on the fungal flora for several years. This work is funded by the Kellerwald-Edersee Nature and National Park.
The fungal flora of southern Cameroon is completely unexplored and is being comprehensively documented for the first time in this project, which is funded by the DAAD. The focus is on edible fungi that are used for ethnobotanical purposes. The long-term goal of this project is to find biotechnologically important fungi and make them usable for Cameroon.