Details of Award

NERC Reference : NE/C513785/1

Detection, distribution and identification of pioneer fungi latently present in functional sapwood of angiosperm trees.

Principal Investigator:: Professor L Boddy, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences
Co-Investigator:: Professor H Rogers, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences
Grant held at:: Cardiff University, School of Biosciences

Abstract:: Wood decomposition and fungal community development begins while branches are still in the canopy and trunks still standing. In at least eight broad leaf tree species, extensive (several to many metres) decay columns develop in less that one growing season. These decay columns are much longer than could be achieved by a fungus growing from a single point of entry. Instead, it has been suggested that fungal propagules are extensively but sparsely distributed throughout the sap stream, but only develop overtly when the high water content is removed. We want to test the hypothesis that all broad leaved trees have decay fungi latently present in the sapwood of trunks, branches and twigs, and that different fungal species are distributed differently. The presence of fungi within functional sapwood cannot usually be detected by the traditional isolation method of placing wood chips onto agar culture media, presumably because propagules have not been subjected to appropriate 'germination' conditions, so we will use modern molecular approaches to detect them.

Authorised funds only

This grant award has a total value of £30,801

Total - T&S	Total - Staff	Total - Other Costs	Total - Indirect Costs
£55	£17,969	£4,511	£8,266

If you need further help, please read the user guide.