Fungal species are an integral part of microbial communities, and within forest ecosystems they are central to nutrient cycling in soils, and responsible for the breakdown of organic matter. Fungi also form symbiotic relationships with living plant species, with arbuscular mycorrhizae found associated with many tree roots, and endophytic species found on stems, bark and leaves. Conversely, fungi are also the causative agents of some of the most devastating tree diseases worldwide, including ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus), dutch elm disease (Ophiostoma ulmi) and Armillaria root rot (Armillaria mellea). The range of habitats available within forests results in high fungal taxonomic and functional diversity, and whilst many fungal species have been identified and characterized to date, there is still much left to discover about the range of fungi and their roles within forest ecosystems.
Advances in sequencing technologies have aided the affordability and accessibility of genomic, metagenomic and transcriptomic studies for many researchers. Combined with developments in bioinformatics and phylogenetic analyses, we are now beginning to explore fungal diversity and evolution at a rapid rate, as well as reassess existing fungal phylogeny and taxonomy. In addition, improved culturing techniques within the lab has aided functional characterization of new fungal species. This includes the identification of key pathogenicity factors which can help single out targets for fungicides and disease control, as well as elucidating how key species contribute to the health of forest systems.
This Research Topic aims to highlight new research and perspectives on fungal diversity within forests, including beneficial and pathogenic species found within the soil and associated with plant species. By understanding the range of fungi, their functions and interactions with host plants, we can develop new strategies for controlling tree diseases, as well as explore how climate change and deforestation impacts fungal communities. Conversely, new fungal species can be identified that may be utilized as biological control agents or aid in tree and forest health in response to changing environmental conditions.
Original Research, Reviews and Mini-Reviews on the following subjects are encouraged, but not limited to:
- Phylogenetic and taxonomic studies of beneficial/pathogenic fungal species found within forest systems
- Genetic and molecular characterization of fungal tree pathogens and interaction with host species
- Genetic and molecular characterization of endophytes and symbiotic fungal species and interaction with host species
- Genomic, metagenomic and transcriptomic studies of forest microbiomes, with a focus on fungal species
Fungal species are an integral part of microbial communities, and within forest ecosystems they are central to nutrient cycling in soils, and responsible for the breakdown of organic matter. Fungi also form symbiotic relationships with living plant species, with arbuscular mycorrhizae found associated with many tree roots, and endophytic species found on stems, bark and leaves. Conversely, fungi are also the causative agents of some of the most devastating tree diseases worldwide, including ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus), dutch elm disease (Ophiostoma ulmi) and Armillaria root rot (Armillaria mellea). The range of habitats available within forests results in high fungal taxonomic and functional diversity, and whilst many fungal species have been identified and characterized to date, there is still much left to discover about the range of fungi and their roles within forest ecosystems.
Advances in sequencing technologies have aided the affordability and accessibility of genomic, metagenomic and transcriptomic studies for many researchers. Combined with developments in bioinformatics and phylogenetic analyses, we are now beginning to explore fungal diversity and evolution at a rapid rate, as well as reassess existing fungal phylogeny and taxonomy. In addition, improved culturing techniques within the lab has aided functional characterization of new fungal species. This includes the identification of key pathogenicity factors which can help single out targets for fungicides and disease control, as well as elucidating how key species contribute to the health of forest systems.
This Research Topic aims to highlight new research and perspectives on fungal diversity within forests, including beneficial and pathogenic species found within the soil and associated with plant species. By understanding the range of fungi, their functions and interactions with host plants, we can develop new strategies for controlling tree diseases, as well as explore how climate change and deforestation impacts fungal communities. Conversely, new fungal species can be identified that may be utilized as biological control agents or aid in tree and forest health in response to changing environmental conditions.
Original Research, Reviews and Mini-Reviews on the following subjects are encouraged, but not limited to:
- Phylogenetic and taxonomic studies of beneficial/pathogenic fungal species found within forest systems
- Genetic and molecular characterization of fungal tree pathogens and interaction with host species
- Genetic and molecular characterization of endophytes and symbiotic fungal species and interaction with host species
- Genomic, metagenomic and transcriptomic studies of forest microbiomes, with a focus on fungal species
