Underground Explorers

This project investigates the impact of traditional indigenous agroforestry on mycorrhizal fungal diversity in cacao cultivation within the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica. Indigenous Térraba and Boruca communities manage cacao using ancestral techniques, which may enhance soil biodiversity compared to modern cultivation systems. Through metabarcoding of the 18S rRNA gene (SSU region) using Wanda primers and high-throughput sequencing (Illumina MiSeq), this study will assess fungal community composition across 50 sites. Bioinformatics analysis will leverage Öpik and Maarjam databases for species identification. Complementary morphological and molecular analyses will provide a comprehensive characterization of mycorrhizal diversity. Findings will offer insights into sustainable soil management, contributing to conservation efforts and aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals on resilient agriculture and land preservation. The research will also empower indigenous farmers with knowledge on soil microbiome dynamics, strengthening agroforestry systems and local economies. Expected outcomes include a peer-reviewed scientific publication, workshops for indigenous communities, and practical recommendations for integrating traditional practices into modern cacao cultivation. By bridging ancestral knowledge with scientific research, this project aims to promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable agricultural practices in tropical ecosystems