Fungi represent an important group of soil microorganisms. Among others, they act as plant root pathogens, saprotrophs or root symbionts (e.g., the arbuscular mycorrhizal or ectomycorrhizal fungi). While unicellular fungi are despite larger size ecologically similar to bacteria in that they use locally present substrates, mycelial fungi are particularly suited for the soil environment being able to use resources heterogeneously distributed in space. Despite the fact that fungi are recognised as key decomposers in litter and soil, the factors governing their distribution in soils are only partially understood. The aim of this project is to explore the biogeography of fungi in a forested landscape and to identify the factors affecting their distribution and the diversity and expression of their decomposition related genes. In particular, the effects of physical proximity, abiotic factors (soil pH, organic matter and nutrient content) and biotic factors (landuse type, vegetation, forest stand age) will be explored. To achieve this, the combination of methods of molecular biology will be used, including the next-generation-sequencing, quantitative PCR and/or stable isotope labelling for the description of fungal community composition in the litter and soils. Targeted analysis of functional genes and their transcripts will be used as a proxy to explore the decomposers of important pools of organic matter. The project should contribute to the understanding of the ecology of fungi in the important ecosystem of temperate forest soils.
Preliminary scope of work in English
Fungi represent an important group of soil microorganisms. Among others, they act as plant root pathogens, saprotrophs or root symbionts (e.g., the arbuscular mycorrhizal or ectomycorrhizal fungi). While unicellular fungi are despite larger size ecologically similar to bacteria in that they use locally present substrates, mycelial fungi are particularly suited for the soil environment being able to use resources heterogeneously distributed in space. Despite the fact that fungi are recognised as key decomposers in litter and soil, the factors governing their distribution in soils are only partially understood. The aim of this project is to explore the biogeography of fungi in a forested landscape and to identify the factors affecting their distribution and the diversity and expression of their decomposition related genes. In particular, the effects of physical proximity, abiotic factors (soil pH, organic matter and nutrient content) and biotic factors (landuse type, vegetation, forest stand age) will be explored. To achieve this, the combination of methods of molecular biology will be used, including the next-generation-sequencing, quantitative PCR and/or stable isotope labelling for the description of fungal community composition in the litter and soils. Targeted analysis of functional genes and their transcripts will be used as a proxy to explore the decomposers of important pools of organic matter. The project should contribute to the understanding of the ecology of fungi in the important ecosystem of temperate forest soils.
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