Mycorrhizal research

The forest mycorhrizal research group, located at the Soil Biology Laboratory in Imst, Austria, is conducting research on the ecology and taxonomy of symbiotic soil fungi with emphasis on ectomycorrhizal species of forest trees.

The goals are to determine the ecological contribution of beneficial symbiotic fungi to maintaining long-term site productivity and sustaining the biological and functional diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi within a range of forest management options. To achieve these goals, basic research focuses on the taxonomy, systematics, community structure, biological diversity and ecosystem functions of ectomycorrhizal fungi of forest trees. Applied projects are directed toward the potential use of ectomycorrhizal fungi in afforestation and reclamation of disturbed forest stands.

Another scope of our work is the production of mycorrhizal inoculum for forest trees

Of particular interest are

• the biology and ecology of ectomycorhrizal fungi associated with subalpine and montane trees species
• mycorrhizal diversity, functioning, and succession
• applications of mycorrhizal fungi in nursery practice, afforestation and restoration (naturalization)
• environmental change on mycorrhizal diversity
• systematics and distribution of ectomycorrhizal with emphasis on mycorrhizal macromycetes

Our approach is manifold, ranging from the taxonomic evaluation of single species to comprehensive field studies. In addition, research and applied aspects of mycorrhiza are being covered in our research projects. New projects and collaborations are being established to extend the research to areas that can only addressed by joint effort.

Outline of current and past projects