Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/C51464X/1
Fungal endophytes of pine: Population ecology and interactions with a related parasite.
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor R Ennos, University of Edinburgh, Sch of Biological Sciences
- Co-Investigator:
- Dr R Bergero, SRUC, Research
- Grant held at:
- University of Edinburgh, Sch of Biological Sciences
- Science Area:
- Terrestrial
- Overall Classification:
- Terrestrial
- ENRIs:
- Biodiversity
- Science Topics:
- Population Genetics/Evolution
- Systematics & Taxonomy
- Population Ecology
- Community Ecology
- Abstract:
- The leaves of virtually every plant are inhabited by a special class of fungi, endophytic fungi, that show limited development in the leaves and cause no visible symptoms. Endophylic fungi do not colonise the leaf or reproduce until the leaf is about to be shed naturally. Although there are a huge diversity of endophytic fungi (approximately four species for every species of plant) we know very little about what they do or how they behave in natural populations. However it has been suggested that these fungi may play a role in protecting the plant against parasitic fungi that destroy the leaves. We aim to test this hypothesis by comparing the damage done by parasitic fungi when they attack Scots pine needles that either contain, or do not contain endophytes. To make this possible we need to be able to tell whether a needle contains endophytes, parasites or both. We are therefore developing a method that identifies the species of fungus present in pine needles on the basis of its DNA sequence. We are also devising methods for genetically fingerprinting the fungi. This will allow us to recognise different individuals, count the number inhabiting a single needle, see how they mate with one another and how far their spores travel within and between the populations of pine. If endophytes do protect pine trees and other plants against parasites they could be used in biological control of plant disease.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/C51464X/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Small Grants Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Small Grants
This grant award has a total value of £28,955
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Staff | Total - T&S | Total - Other Costs | Total - Indirect Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| £15,759 | £462 | £5,485 | £7,250 |
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