Wildfires are increasing in frequency and severity, making effective post-fire land restoration critical—not only for reducing future fire risk and supporting biodiversity, but for forest recovery that moves beyond timber-industry interests. This study investigates how restoration, guided by Indigenous legal orders, protocols, and teachings, influences the recovery and recolonization of beneficial fungal species following wildfire. Using a paired, comparative field design, we will sample soil fungal properties across nine restored and nine unrestored burned sites on the unceded territory of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band (LSIB), controlling for environmental variables such as soil type, climate, and burn severity. We predict fungal diversity will be significantly higher in areas under Indigenous-led restoration. Co-led by the LSIB, this research integrates Indigenous knowledge and Western science in both data collection and interpretation. Findings will help support the Smelqmix Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area and support fungal inoculation of plants used in restoration.

The Thuya forest (Tetraclinis articulata) is considered one of the driest coniferous forest ecosystems in the world. In Morocco, it acts as an ecological barrier against desertification while providing valuable economic resources for the tourism industry. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are crucial allies of many plants thriving in extreme environments; however, the diversity and distribution of AMF associated with the Thuya tree are not known, despite increasing exploitation of these forests, which threatens belowground biodiversity. Therefore, this project aims to characterize the diversity and distribution of AMF associated with Thuya forests across three Moroccan ecoregions: the High Atlas Mountains, the Rif Mountains, and the continental plateau. We aim to investigate how bioclimatic conditions and forest degradation gradients influence AMF communities under varying soil, climatic, and disturbance regimes. Findings from this study will inform forest management, identification, and conservation of key AMF taxa that could benefit forest regeneration and reforestation efforts.

The Atacora Mountains of Togo (AMT) host diverse plant communities and unique biodiversity, serving as ecological corridors and refuges for species of conservation concern. However, these ecosystems are increasingly threatened by artisanal gold mining, which degrades soils, reduces forest cover, and disrupts belowground habitats. This project investigates how these disturbances affect mycorrhizal fungal communities, which are essential for ecosystem functioning. We hypothesize that mycorrhizal fungal diversity and abundance are higher in undisturbed areas than in sites affected by mining. To test this, the study will use eDNA metabarcoding to assess the diversity and distribution of arbuscular and ectomycorrhizal fungi along AMT and to compare impacted and non-impacted sites. The project will generate the first DNA baseline for these fungal groups in Togo and assess how mining pressure shapes their taxonomic patterns. Its findings will support impact assessment, restoration strategies, and the long-term conservation of belowground biodiversity in this important mountain landscape.

The study will be conducted in the Acarai State Park, situated with the Atlantic Rain Forest floristic domain (Serra do Mar coastal forest ecoregion) in Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil. The ecosystem type is Restinga, a coastal ecosystem consisting of sandy, nutrient-poor soil vegetation ranging from herbaceous near the ocean to shrubs and trees inland. Three vegetation types will be analyzed within the Park: embryonic dunes, semi-fixed dunes, and arboreal restinga. Soil samples will be collected following SPUN's protocol and AMF species will be identified by spore morphology and environmenal DNA targeting the SSU, ITS, and LSU rDNA regions. Trap cultures will be established to induce AMF sporulation and use spores to establish single cultures of AMF that will be part of the germoplasm of the International Culture Collection of Glomeromycota (CICG).

The aim of the project is to identify and preserve the mycorrhizae in the stretch of the natural forest remnants in the Great Lake Victoria Basin (GLVB) of Kenya, resulting from mismanagement of the environment, change in land use and misuse of environmental resources. Uncontrolled tree felling to give way to land for farming and establishment of new homesteads as population increases; trees for fuelwood, building construction, and religious activities have resulted in reduced forest cover. This study will collect samples from sacred Ramogi and Abiero Hill Forests, the only two remnant forests in Siaya County, one of the three counties in the GLVB. The community will be involved with the field work to ensure they appreciate that soil is alive and thus the importance of conserving below ground diversity. They will be trained on the role of mycorrhizae in the soils and their contribution to soil health.

This project takes place in the Magallanes region, located at the southernmost tip of the American continent. In particular, this study will focus on the rhizosphere fungal community of trees inhabiting peatland ecosystems, dominated by the Sphagnum magellanicum moss. Southern high-latitude peatlands remain understudied compared to their northern counterparts, and especially their associated microbiome, with fungi still undescribed. In particular, studies describing the ecological and functional role of rhizosphere fungi of vascular plants inhabiting peatlands are still lacking. This project will provide the first characterization of the mycorrhizal fungal community of Nothofagus antarctica inhabiting ombrotrophic peatlands of Sphagnum magellanicum in the subantarctic region of Magallanes. By addressing a critical gap in belowground mycorrhizal diversity, we hope that this research will have implications for conservation and management of vascular plants living in this unique ecosystem, and for Sphagnum peatlands as a whole.

Mycorrhizal fungi underpin terrestrial ecosystem functioning by mediating nutrient cycling, plant productivity, and carbon storage, yet their diversity and distribution across African biomes remain poorly resolved. Here, we investigate patterns of mycorrhizal fungal diversity across contrasting forest and savanna ecosystems in Western Uganda, represented by Kibale National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Using environmental DNA metabarcoding, spatial analyses, and environmental characterization, we assess fungal community composition, distribution, and ecological drivers. By linking belowground biodiversity to vegetation, climate, soil, and land-use gradients, this study will provide critical insights into the ecological processes shaping tropical fungal communities and inform biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and climate-resilient landscape management in East Africa.

Tropical peat forests in Mak Jintan and Ibok, Terengganu, harbor diverse belowground microbial communities, yet the ecological roles of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi remain poorly understood. This study investigates the diversity, community composition, and functional significance of ECM fungi along a riverbank-to-inland moisture and vegetation gradient. We hypothesize that ECM fungal diversity increases inland, that community composition shifts across the gradient, and that greater ECM diversity promotes the accumulation of stable carbon in mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM) rather than particulate organic matter (POM). Soil samples will be collected from five transect points at each site, generating 50 composite samples for analysis. ECM fungal communities will be characterized using ITS-region amplicon sequencing, while soil organic matter will be fractionated into POM and MAOM using sodium hexametaphosphate. Soil physicochemical properties will also be measured. The findings will enhance understanding of ECM fungal contributions to carbon stabilization and ecosystem functioning in tropical peat forests.

Our project will investigate arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) communities associated with native plants in mining-impacted environments of the Andean Puna of northwestern Argentina, focusing on the La Concordia mine near San Antonio de los Cobres, Salta. We hypothesize that AMF diversity and community composition vary along gradients of metal contamination and environmental stress, with mining-impacted sites favoring stress-tolerant taxa and specific plant-fungus associations that enhance plant establishment and survival. By characterizing these belowground communities, the project will generate information on AMF diversity, composition, and plant-fungus associations in mine tailings of the Andean Puna. The results will advance understanding of mycorrhizal symbioses under extreme environmental conditions and identify native plant-fungus associations with potential for nature-based restoration and revegetation. Ultimately, this knowledge may contribute to strategies for soil stabilization, reduced contaminant mobilization, and improved protection of soil and water resources in mining-impacted landscapes.

The Indo-Gangetic Plains are among the world's most important agricultural regions yet remain a major gap in global knowledge of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal diversity. This project will investigate the effects of irrigation intensity, soil salinity, and land-use on AMF communities across agricultural landscapes in Sonipat district, Haryana, India. Soil samples representing semi-natural vegetation, irrigated croplands, and stress-affected fields will be analyzed using high-throughput sequencing of the AMF SSU rRNA region amplified with WANDA/AML2 primers. Environmental variables, including soil physicochemical properties, will be integrated with microbial diversity data to identify key drivers of AMF community structure. Machine-learning approaches will be used to predict environmental conditions supporting beneficial microbial communities. The study will generate the first AMF baseline for the IGP and contribute critical data to global mycorrhizal biodiversity initiatives.

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Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are key soil microorganisms that enhance nutrient uptake, soil structure, and plant resilience, yet their diversity in Niger Delta swamp forest ecosystems remains poorly characterized. This study investigates the metagenomic diversity of AMF communities across the Niger Delta swamp forests of Nigeria. 35 soil samples will be collected from diverse swamp forest sites,  to capture spatial and pollution-related variation. DNA extraction will be followed by PCR amplification and high-throughput sequencing at a SPUN-affiliated facility, targeting the 18S rRNA gene and ITS regions to assess AMF community composition, richness, and distribution in relation to soil physicochemical properties and oil pollution gradients. This approach will bypass culturing limitations to capture uncultured and rare AMF taxa, providing insights into ecosystem function and resilience. Findings are expected to identify native AMF taxa with bioremediation and plant-growth-promoting potential, supporting sustainable agriculture and land restoration in oil-impacted Niger Delta soils.

This project aims to describe new species of mycorrhizal fungi from the genera Lactarius and Lactifluus in black oak (Trigonobalanus excelsa) forests of Huila and Santander, Colombia. Through morphological analysis and multilocus sequencing, previously uncatalogued taxa will be mapped and identified in these relict and threatened ecosystems. The study's objectives align with forest propagation and conservation initiatives led by rural communities and universities, and therefore the research is being conducted in a participatory manner: members of peasant organizations, as well as other community actors, can participate in training sessions and the dissemination of results. The description of these new species is key to their protection, since formally naming them allows them to be included on red lists, facilitating their prioritization and enabling the design of more specific propagation trials for black oak by better understanding its mycorrhizal associations.

This project explores fungal diversity across microbial mats and surrounding vegetation in the Cuatro Ciénegas Basin, Mexico, an extreme, phosphorus-limited ecosystem that provides a modern analogue of ancient environments. We will compare fungi from microbial mats with those associated with grasses growing within, near, and away from the pools. Using DNA-based community profiling, we will investigate how fungal communities change across this aquatic-to-terrestrial gradient and test whether microbial mats harbor early-diverging fungal lineages related to modern mycorrhizal fungi. Because mycorrhizal-related fungi in microbial mats remain largely unexplored, this project may provide new insights into the evolutionary origins of plant–fungal associations while establishing an important fungal biodiversity baseline for this threatened desert oasis.

Mapping the diversity of mycorrhizal fungi in a forest–savanna transition zone in Gabon. This project aims to characterize the diversity of mycorrhizal fungi along a forest–savanna ecological succession gradient in the northeastern part of Lopé National Park, Gabon. Based on soil sampling conducted in 60 plots distributed along a 12-km transect, the study will analyze fungal communities associated with different vegetation stages, ranging from fire-maintained savannas to old-growth forests. Molecular analyses, using high-throughput sequencing of soil DNA, will allow the identification of ectomycorrhizal and arbuscular fungi and the assessment of their relationships with plant diversity, primary productivity, and carbon dynamics. The results will help fill knowledge gaps on belowground biodiversity in the Congo Basin, while strengthening local scientific compacity, supporting the management of Lopé National Park, and improving understanding of the role of soil microorganisms in tropical ecosystem functioning and climate regulation.

Biological invasions pose a critical threat to global biodiversity, yet the below-ground microbial mechanisms driving their success remain poorly understood. While Lantana camara has devastated 40% of India's tiger habitats, its co-introduced congeners (L. indica, L. veronicifolia) remain non-invasive. This project maps under-explored arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) communities across a wide latitudinal range spanning three critical Indian ecoregions: the Western Ghats, Upper Gangetic Plain, and Himalayan foothills. Using a dual-approach field survey and full-factorial microcosm experiment, we test if L. camara facilitates its dominance by selectively recruiting high-efficiency, low-diversity AMF communities to hijack indigenous underground networks. Soil and root AMF lineages will be characterized via 18S rDNA metabarcoding (NS31-AML2) on the Illumina MiSeq platform. This research identifies key microbial biomarkers of plant invasion, providing actionable data for the Global Mycorrhizal Atlas and informing fungal-aware forest restoration protocols.

Okinawa, Japan's southernmost and only subtropical prefecture, comprises numerous islands that form a natural laboratory for testing how dispersal limitation and island-specific soil chemistry shape mycorrhizal fungal communities. Some islands are derived from coral limestone, whereas others are volcanic in origin, creating strong contrasts in soil properties and nutrient availability. We will survey multiple islands and collect standardized soil samples alongside plant-community, soil-biogeochemical, and airborne fungal-spore data. Fungal communities will be characterized using metabarcoding of fungal DNA markers. We hypothesize that geographic isolation limits fungi with poor long-distance dispersal, while contrasting soil conditions select for fungi with distinct nutrient-acquisition capacities. By integrating community composition, dispersal potential, and soil nutrient data, we will identify mechanisms governing fungal community assembly across islands. The findings will support the conservation of plant–fungal partnerships and inform land management to protect biodiversity, enhance carbon sequestration, and reduce nutrient loss to coastal waters.

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Uncovering Bermuda’s Underground Legacy: Mapping Soil Mycobiomes to Drive Island Forest Restoration. Isolated island ecosystems are highly vulnerable to invasive plant species that disrupt native plant-fungal interactions. In Bermuda, invasive Casuarina equisetifolia trees threaten endemic species such as the Bermuda cedar (Juniperus bermudiana), yet the subterranean drivers of this displacement remain unexplored. This project delivers the first comprehensive map of Bermuda’s soil mycobiome through a partnership with the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN). This research will yield a predictive map of fungal mutualists and pathogens for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to optimize native reforestation strategies, while establishing Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences as a central research hub for mid-Atlantic soil biodiversity conservation.

Beneath the Steppe investigates how hydrocarbon contamination alters soil and root-associated fungal communities in the Patagonian steppe, an ecologically important but underrepresented semi-arid ecosystem. The project will compare sites along a contamination gradient, from uncontaminated soils to areas with low, medium, and high oil pollution. Using standardized soil and root sampling, mycorrhizal assessments, soil physicochemical analyses, and Illumina sequencing of fungal communities, we will identify changes in fungal diversity, composition, and ecological guilds. Particular attention will be given to native mycorrhizal fungi that persist under contamination and may serve as bioindicators or contribute to bioremediation. The results will support ecosystem monitoring, restoration, and more sustainable land-management strategies in hydrocarbon-affected Patagonian landscapes. The project also includes collaboration with local landowners, public outreach, scientific training, and measures to protect wildlife and promote the recovery of the contaminated site.

Sulawesi is an island located between two oceanic trenches that separate the Asian and Australian continental shelves. Due to its geographic isolation and extraordinary geology, Sulawesi has developed very distinctive flora and fauna, becoming a hotspot of endemic species (Whitten et al., 2002, Middleton et al 2019, Butarbutar et al., 2022). Two distinct ecoregions can be found in Sulawesi: lowland rain forest (LRF) and montane rain forest. For our sampling campaign we have identified a location for its unique concentration of endemic and threatened species: Rawa Aopa Watumohai National Park (in LRF, South East Sulawesi). The park presents mangrove forests, coastal forests, savanna freshwater swamp forests, which are our main focus for this research. We will collect soil samples, vegetation and mushroom specimens. DNA will be extracted from soil samples, and ITS, SSU and 16S rRNA regions will be amplified and sequenced with Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) MinION. We expect that the remarkable diversity found in flora and fauna is reflected in the underground microbial community of Sulawesi swamp forests and that undiscovered taxa can be found in the pristine forest sites. Students and researchers from Tadulako University, IPB University and Indonesian Native Plant Foundation will collaborate on this project.

The Amazon basin ranges from the Andes to the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the most diverse biomes in the world and encompasses a series of ecosystems and vegetation types. The Amazon coastline is influenced by the Amazon River and its drainage basin, hosting about 85% of the mangroves and 35% of the sandy coastal plains (‘restingas’) of Brazil. Mangroves and restingas thrive under several limiting environmental factors and provide many ecosystem services, including recreation and tourism, soil protection, carbon sequestration, and nutrient cycling. They are also home to indigenous communities that have a deep connection with them. As these coastal ecosystems develop under unique environmental conditions, they are critically fragile and sensitive to human disturbances. The aim of this project is to identify the molecular diversity of the fungal community and its potential functional role in mangroves and restingas from Northeast Amazon. We also aim to identify indicator species or functional groups associated with their specific soil conditions, to support conservation and rehabilitation projects. The analysis of fungal diversity will allow us to understand the aspects that contribute to mangrove and restinga maintenance, tolerance, and even their resilience in the face of emerging environmental changes.

This research seeks to redress the limited consideration that fungi have received in Nepal's research and conservation priorities, especially within the broader context of the Hindu-Kush Himalayan region. It aims to investigate mycorrhizal fungal diversity and composition in the Eastern Himalayan subalpine conifer forests of Sagarmatha National Park, known as the realm of Mount Everest (8848m). By examining three elevation levels (3000m, 3400m, and 3800m) and two land use types (natural forests and meadows), the study seeks to understand how mycorrhizal communities vary across different altitudes and land use patterns. To achieve this, the project will adhere to the SPUN sample collection guidelines and employ advanced molecular techniques, such as metabarcoding of the rDNA region. 

A significant aspect of this study is its emphasis on community involvement in the research process. The research findings will be shared through peer-reviewed scientific publications and outreach mediums. Moreover, the project aspires to contribute to educational materials, including to update brochures for Sagarmatha National Park and the national checklist of fungi in Nepal. Furthermore, by enhancing our understanding of mycorrhizal diversity, this research aims to highlight the vital role these fungi play in the Himalayan ecosystem and advocate for their preservation through conservation actions.

Rising temperatures in tundra drive heightened wildfire activity, profoundly affecting fungal communities. Recent research highlights the significant influence fungi have on ecosystem carbon balance in northern ecosystems. Fungi impact primary production through plant nutrient acquisition, soil organic matter formation, and C losses via priming. Understanding post-fire shifts in fungal diversity is crucial for predicting wildfire consequences and climate feedbacks. The Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta in Alaska remains relatively understudied. By analyzing fungal diversity across unburned, recently burned, and historically burned sites, we can assess the effects of fire on fungal communities. Initial findings suggest that shrub abundance increases in the first decade following fire, potentially favoring ectomycorrhizal and ericoid mycorrhizal fungi as host plants respond positively to low-intensity burning with strong impacts on soil carbon accumulation and cycling rates. Building on an ongoing investigation of wildfire impacts on components of ecosystem carbon balance, including fluxes of greenhouse gasses and carbon stored in plant biomass and soils, this study will reveal fungal taxonomic identities that may be important regulators of these ecosystem dynamics. Our study will provide new insights into the connections between fungal identities and biogeochemical processing in a critical yet understudied tundra region and support training opportunities for undergraduate students.

The Chilean Matorral has a high degree of plant endemism and a high vulnerability due to anthropogenic pressures, mainly anthropogenic fires, which is why it is currently recognized as a biodiversity hotspot. There is evidence that fire can reduce the richness and abundance of microorganisms in the soil, including mycorrhizal fungi, thus modifying their diversity. On the other hand, there is evidence that after a fire it is possible to find trees that survive and are able to resprout, so they function as nurse plants and can in turn be a source of mycorrhizal fungi for a potential recovery of the affected system. That said, in this study we aim to test the effect of fire and nurse plants on the diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the sclerophyllous forest. This forest is the most representative vegetation formation of the Chilean Matorral and the dominant plant species present there form arbuscular mycorrhiza. A lower diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi is expected in sites affected by fires and without the presence of nurse plants compared to sites not affected by fires and with the presence of resprouting nurse plants. This project includes work with local communities in order to transfer knowledge among all participants.

Across terrestrial plant species, symbiotic relationships between fungi and roots is common. Various mycorrhizal types prevail in distinct biomes, with arbuscular mycorrhizae colonization contingent upon evolutionary and ecological constraints. Peru boasts a wealth of endemic flora and fauna, nestled within the globally recognized biodiversity hotspot of the "Tropical Andes." Within the Peruvian Andes lie the Puna grasslands and montane forests, constituting the Puna-timberline ecotone, which serve as habitats for endemic plant and animal species and harbor hidden underground biodiversity. Our SPUN project aims to highlight these regions as potential biodiversity hotspots for mycorrhizal fungi while recognizing them as some of the most uncharted territories for soil fungi research. We anticipate observing distinct fungal communities, particularly ectomycorrhizal, with a marked diversity turnover pattern across the three ecosystems: forests, ecotones, and grasslands.

The focus of this study are the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi associated with what is considered by many, the most endangered tropical ecosystem: native Hawaiian dryland forests. These forests have been negatively impacted by land conversion, invasive species and climate change including drought and increased fire frequency. These impacts have reduced the current extent of native dryland forests to 5-10% of their historic range. Hawaii is infamously known as the endangered species capitol of the world and more than 25% of Hawaii's endangered species are found in these forests, but only 3% of the remaining forests are considered healthy. Dryland forests also hold deep cultural significance for Native Hawaiians. Active restoration efforts are underway to preserve and restore these ecosystems, but to date there has been no assessment of the mycorrhizal fungal communities associated with dryland forest native host plants including many endangered and endemic species, the majority of which should partner with AM fungi. The goals of this project include: 1) cataloging the diversity of AM fungi found across the Hawaiian archipelago in the last remaining native dryland forests and, 2) cultivating and preserving AM fungi for native vegetation inoculation trials and restoration projects.

Our project aims at sampling the fungal and mycorrhizal diversity in the foothills of the Andes in Argentina, where dry and shrubby vegetation occur – the Monte. With our team, including landscape ecologists, mycorrhizal experts, and students, we will target patches of Monte from Mendoza to the North of Argentina. Interestingly, these patches surround the viticultural regions of Argentina, and start to be considered as a major niche for biodiversity at a landscape level, becoming a pillar of sustainable agriculture. The Monte is also a habitat where many medicinal plants occur, and where local communities already care for plants and soils. We will discuss the sampling and results with local communities and winemakers to reinforce soil conservation, in the Monte and their landscape, and learn more about the high diversity of AMF already observed from our preliminary results. We expect to find a higher diversity closer to the Andes, where landscapes are more continuous. We also expect to learn about the traditional relationship to soil conservation in the Andes, and its potential impact on fungal diversity. This project will add crucial data to maps of fungal diversity in Argentina, targeting the driest habitats where underground fungi have so far never been explored.

Discerning how climate drives the composition of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi is essential in mountains where change in elevation corresponds with prominent abiotic shifts across relatively small spatial scales. From low to high elevations, conditions become cooler and drier (mean temperature and precipitation decreases) which can drive the distribution of AMF in soil and how they associate with host plants. To better grasp the ecological role of AMF in different abiotic contexts, we also need to understand how AMF associate with host plants across abiotic gradients. This study will uncover the drivers of AMF diversity and composition across an elevation gradient in the South Western Ghats, part of a global biodiversity hotspot with high diversity and endemism of plant species. We will document AMF in the soil and record root-associated AMF for six tree species—two with wide elevation range and two each restricted to higher and lower elevations. This data will offer the first documentation of mycorrhizal diversity for this region and pave the way for in-depth assessments of how plant-fungal interactions will respond to global environmental change.

Despite extensive ECM and AMF sampling across North America, unsampled ecoregions persist, especially the coastal regions along the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans. One of the unique landforms that comprise these under sampled coastal ecoregions particularly in the Eastern U.S. are barrier islands, which support coastal dune plant communities. Despite many U.S. barrier islands containing federally protected public lands, these islands have experienced significant coastal erosion because of sea level rise and storm surge. As such, the plant and mycorrhizal communities they support are quite vulnerable. In addition to abiotic factors that are threatening these mycorrhizal communities, chytrid fungi may also pose real threats to mycorrhizal networks, particularly in poorly drained plant communities common across the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain ecoregion. Our project aims to uncover the diversity of AMF communities across the eastern U.S. barrier islands and their associated chytrid communities to better understand the contemporary threats mycorrhizal communities face in a wetter, warmer world.

Pampa grasslands originally covered nearly 400,000 square kilometers of fertile plains in Argentina, and today are deeply reduced and threatened by agriculture, fragmentation and invasive plants. Understanding the impact of current activities on the soil biota is crucial for rethinking the management of these grasslands. Our goal is to characterize AMF communities across a gradient of agriculture intensification, spanning from native Pampean grasslands used for extensive husbandry to highly intensified soybean fields. Project outcomes will help design multifunctional landscapes that balance agriculture, conservation and ecosystem services to enhance crop/livestock production while promoting biodiversity.

In Argentina, the Espinal is characterized by the presence of deciduous xerophytic forests that rarely exceed 10 meters in height. Within this ecoregion, the Caldén District is constituted of an open forest where the dominant species is Neltuma caldenia (Burkart) C.E. Hughes & G.P. Lewis (caldén). More than 90 endemic plant species and 50 species of medicinal plants are part of this unique ecosystem in the world. Over the last 150 years, there has been an increase in shrub cover in different areas. Extensive cattle grazing with high pressure, forest fires, tree felling, and climate change are associated with vegetation cover loss, soil erosion, and aridification processes. Different management practices are performed in La Pampa to restore the caldén forests, recover their biodiversity, and their potential as providers of ecosystem services.

The study of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi diversity will contribute to understanding the ecological role of these microorganisms in the restoration of degraded areas. Additionally, it will allow the establishment of relationships between fungi and caldenal plant species, enhancing the integration of mycotrophic plants and contributing to the development and survival of plant species in these semiarid environments.

Santa Catarina Island, in southern Brazil, is covered with Atlantic Forest and has mangroves and restinga that act as buffers between the ocean and rainforest. The goals of this project are to understand how many taxa of mycorrhizal fungi are shared between the restinga and forest and to investigate the presence of mycorrhizae in the mangroves. Several woody species grow in the harsh conditions of the restinga, and a few of these also grow in the adjacent forest. These plants often have different habits, such as shrubs in the restinga and tall trees in the forest. Mangroves have their own distinct flora with species that are mostly restricted to this environment. We propose two hypotheses: 1) the community of ectomycorrhizal fungi in the restinga soil is similar to that in the forest; and 2) the diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi in the mangroves is low. The mangroves and restinga are threatened due to climate change and real estate development. Another problem on the island is the spread of exotic Pinus and Eucalyptus species that were introduced. It is unknown how the local fungi communities are affected by the exotic fungi that were introduced with these plants. Knowing the soil fungal communities will allow us to better understand the effects of the invasive species on native plants and to select potential native taxa to be used in restoration projects.

We will promote events open to the public so local communities and students can be involved. For example, the Rick Foray and EctoSul will include field expeditions and talks that emphasize the importance of fungi in the soil. We will also teach participants how to look for ectomycorrhizal mushrooms and recognize and collect ectomycorrhizae in the field, as well as show them root tips with mycorrhizae using dissecting microscopes.

The Western Ghats of India are of tremendous global importance for biodiversity protection and are areas of significant geological, cultural, and aesthetic worth. It is a mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of India, stretching approximately 1,600 kilometers (990 miles) from Gujarat in the north to Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the south. The Western Ghats mountain system, which is older than the Himalayas, contains geomorphic features of tremendous importance and distinct biophysical and biological processes. The high mountain forest ecosystems at the site impact the Indian monsoon weather pattern. The site, which moderates the region's tropical climate, is one of the outstanding examples of the world's monsoon system. It also boasts a high level of biological diversity and endemism and is considered one of the world's eight 'hottest hotspots' of biological diversity. The site's woodlands contain some of the best examples of non-equatorial tropical evergreen forests and at least 325 species of globally threatened flora, fauna, bird, amphibians, reptile, and fish. Metabarcoding approaches will enable a comprehensive assessment of the soil fungal communities in the Western Ghats, India, allowing for unraveling the intricate and diverse fungal assemblages in this region. The findings will demonstrate significant associations between soil fungal diversity and environmental variables, highlighting the impact of factors such as altitude, land use practices, and soil characteristics on fungal community composition. This research will contribute to the conservation implications and future directions for protecting the unique fungal diversity of the Western Ghats, aiding in the development of effective conservation strategies for this under-explored region.

My research proposal focuses on investigating the presence and variability of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) within the arid grasslands of Masai, situated in the lowlands of Lake Turkana, Kenya. The area comprises a distinctive ecological zone characterized by vast expanses of open grassy terrain and minimal tree cover. The average temperatures in the region can soar above 30°C (86°F) during the hottest months, with occasional peaks reaching even higher. Rainfall in this arid environment is sparse, often falling below 300mm, resulting in limited vegetation and water resources. The grasslands are inhabited by a range of hardy plant species adapted to arid conditions, and they provide vital grazing grounds for indigenous wildlife, including herbivores and migratory species. The region's unique climate and topography create an environment where mycorrhizal fungi could play a crucial role in supporting plants' health and productivity, making it an intriguing focal point for ecological research.

This study aims to quantitatively assess AMF species, compare their community composition across diverse geographical sites and habitats, evaluate their impact on plant productivity, and identify key factors influencing AMF community distribution. Employing a combination of soil sampling, DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing, statistical analysis, and mapping.

This project focuses on Colombia, which ranks as the second most biodiverse country in the world but remains less explored in terms of underground communities. Colombia’s high biodiversity can be attributed to its unique geographic location and topography. This SPUN expedition explores different ecoregions by collecting soil samples in two sampling transects, ranging from highlands (moorlands, 3,000 m.a.s.l) through mid-altitudes, lowlands, and down to sea level. This expedition will encompass various ecoregions: Páramo, montane forests (bosque andino), llanos (tropical savannas), and the Caribbean coast.

The two distinct transects cover diverse environmental conditions and vegetation types that, with the help of different local communities, will enable us to uncover the fungal biodiversity in Colombia. The expedition faces challenges due to the difficult topography, limited routes, and necessary permissions for accessing some locations. However, overcoming these obstacles could lead to the discovery of novel mycorrhizal species and enhance our understanding of ecology and plant-mycorrhizal interactions.

In general, exploring these ecoregions will provide a more precise and realistic representation of underground resources worldwide. Similarly, at the local level, the expedition will empower local communities, stakeholders, and authorities to understand the significance of their natural resources and initiate initiatives for conservation, monitoring, and restoration

We aim to understand the role that soil fungi and plant-mycorrhiza associations play in the stabilization of treeline in the Colombian Eastern Andes Cordillera. The ability of trees from high Andean forests to “migrate” and track suitable temperatures in a warming world may be limited by the absence of the right soil microorganisms and highly specific plant-mycorrhiza associations at higher elevations. To understand the role that each of these two factors plays in determining and stabilizing treeline, we will visit 10 sites around Bogotá city and, in each of them, collect soil and root samples along 3 transects spanning an altitudinal gradient from the High Andean Forest (~3,000 masl) into the Páramo (~3,400 masl) ecoregion. The high Andean Forest and the Páramo ecoregions are biodiversity hotspots severely threatened by climate change and pressures of multiple human activities such as agriculture, cattle farming, and urban development. These tropical montane ecosystems are also highly important as above- and below-ground carbon stocks and may serve as future “carbon refuges” if adequately preserved (Duque et al. 2021). Thanks to SPUN support, we will unveil if the absence of the right microorganisms in the soil will put the few remnants of the High Andean Forest in Colombia more at risk.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a vital role in ecosystem restoration and sustainability. These fungi form symbiotic relationships with plants to improve plant growth, protect the plants against root pathogens and environmental stress, and promote ecosystem stability. Therefore, understanding AMF diversity will be very important for land use management practice and conservation, especially in semi-arid regions. This project will focus on determining the diversity of AMF fungi in the semi-arid region of Dodoma, Tanzania, by comparing three sites: a natural forest reserve, a tree plantation, and grazing grassland. The AMF will be identified on 30 samples using the ITS region of the DNA and high-throughput sequencing technique using the Illumina platform. The data obtained from this study will not only provide insight on how different land use influences AMF diversity but also contribute to the conservation and management of these ecosystems, ultimately fostering ecological resilience.

The North American Great Plains are composed of vast expanses of shortgrass, mixed, and tallgrass prairies. Each system is dominated by unique plant species, such as Andropogon gerardii and Bouteloua gracilis. Associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi play an essential role in maintaining plant dominance in these systems, but the distribution of AMF across this major carbon sink is not well known. With the increasing frequency and severity of extreme climatic events, such as drought, it is critical to understand how these events alter plant-fungal associations across the Great Plains. Hence, we will leverage a network of recently decommissioned precipitation manipulation experiments to investigate the potential legacy effects of drought on plant and fungal communities. We seek to gain insight into the distribution of dominant AMF genera, along with an understanding of how drought of differing intensities influences long-term fungal community composition. We will partner with local nonprofit organizations to meet with community members, discuss the importance of mycorrhizal fungi in provisioning ecosystem services, and train individuals to investigate the fungal diversity around them.

The biogeographical Chocó region of Colombia is considered one of the hotspots of global biodiversity; however, it remains an under-sampled area. It is under high threat from several anthropic actions, such as extraction of timber plants without appropriate management plans, mining and the expansion of agricultural borders. For these reasons, it is necessary to increase knowledge of the area that can be used in strategies for conservation plans and the sustainable use of the resources of this region. Our objective is to study ectomycorrhizal fungi at two locations in the Chocó Department; one in the Tropical Moist and Rain Forest of the Nuquí municipality under the climate influences of the Pacific Ocean, and the other in the Tropical Moist Forest of the Capurganá bay under the climate influences of the Caribbean Sea. At both locations, we will work directly with the local communities and the region’s environmental leaders strengthening advocacy for conservation and understanding of the fungal diversity of this biogeographical zone so that the communities can take ownership of their fungal resources and use them appropriately. Additionally, information will be shared for use in future research on biodiversity, systematics, biogeography, ecological restoration, or even as foundation for the discovery of new species.

To this date, most of the information about ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi in Indonesia has been generated from the western part of Wallace (Sumatra, Java, and Borneo). Meanwhile, in the eastern Wallace region (Sulawesi, the Moluccas, Papua), the information is limited. Within the project “Ectomycorrhizal fungal communities in the eastern Wallace line,” our aim is to generate a list of ECM species in Gandang Dewata, West Sulawesi, Indonesia, based on DNA information. The ITS Region and LSU will be used for metabarcoding, and Illumina Sequencing will be the chosen Sequence Platform. Additionally, we will gather more information related to the ecology of these ECM fungi by assessing their hosts and the existing above-ground fruiting bodies (mushrooms). New species, new records, and new collections could be obtained from this project.

Our project aims to investigate the variation and complexity of fungal communities in different geographical locations in Honduras; Wampusirpe, Gracias a Dios; Catacamas, Olancho; Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán y La Esperanza, Intibucá.  By collecting 108 samples from four diverse sites, the study will employ 16S rRNA metabarcoding and ITS regions, using the Illumina MiSeq platform, to understand the fungal diversity in tropical rainforests, mountainous terrains, grasslands, and urban landscapes. The research emphasizes the relationship between land-use practices, ecological gradients, and fungal community structure. This in-depth exploration holds significant importance for understanding ecosystem dynamics and will contribute valuable information for strategies in sustainable agriculture, conservation, and land management. Collaboration with indigenous communities, insights into small-scale farming, and alignment with the mission of the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) are integral aspects of this vital ecological research as well as providing valuable data for global conservation initiatives.

In California, the Central Valley region once sprawled with lush grasslands of perennial bunchgrasses and endemic forbs unique to a Mediterranean climate region. However, colonization and subsequent urbanization have significantly altered this precious ecoregion. Sites across the landscape have experienced compounded threats from overgrazing, drought, fire regime change, and particularly intense invasion by European species. Current conservation actions include protecting remaining habitats, improving management, and, if possible, converting land to restored grasslands. This project aids these efforts through the investigation of how the soil microbial community has changed along an invasion gradient. For instance, associations with fungal symbionts could confer competitive advantages or cause diseases in the recipient community that contribute to invasion success. We will learn more about how fungi are participating in landscape change either as a consequence or conduit of grassland invasion.

The mountain forests of Mount Cameroon and Bioko belong to the volcanic chain that extends northwards along the border between Cameroon and Nigeria, and south-westwards to the islands of São Tomé, Príncipe, and Annobón, and extends to the heights of the island of Bioko Bioko (Equatorial Guinea). The western slope of Mount Cameroon is probably the most diverse and richest area of the mountain and is the only area in West and Central Africa where there is a pristine gradient vegetation of lowland evergreen tropical forest that starts at sea level, crosses montane forests, mountain meadows and alpine meadows near the summit. This link between ecosystems is the main source of the area's great biological diversity. Six main vegetation types have been identified on the mountain. Lowland rainforest (0-800 m above sea level), sub-mountain forest (800-1600 m above sea level), mountain forest (1600-1800 m above sea level), mountain thicket (1800-2400 m above sea level), mountain meadow (2000-3000 m above sea level), and sub-alpine meadow (3000-4100 m above sea level). The general objective of this project is to determine the diversity of mycorrhizal fungi associated with the diversity of the dominant floristic resources of Mount Cameroon. However, this study focuses on answering questions such as; Do the different forest ecosystems of the montane forests of Mount Cameroon and Bioko have the same types of mycorrhizal fungi? Does the floristic diversity of the soil types of each forest ecosystem determine the types of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi present? Do anthropogenic activities carried out in this area have an impact on the diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi? Our commitment to this project also involves local communities. In line with the sustainable development objectives, we will focus on: - Educating local communities about the use of CMAs and their importance in agricultural production through videos and explanations in local languages (SDG - 4 and SDG -2). - Show them the impact of their various anthropogenic activities on the life of soil mycorrhizal fungi, while highlighting their responsibility for biodiversity conservation (SDG -12). - Men and women from local communities will be educated together, without distinction and priority (SDG -5).

High elevation regions are unique in their biodiversity and are among the ones facing the highest rate of climate change. This change is causing many irreversible changes in high elevation ecosystems necessitating the elucidation of unique biodiversity present there.  This project aims to test for the effect of temperature and precipitation on mycorrhizal diversity by using natural climatic gradients in Western Himalaya as proxy for climate. Along with the effect of climate, we will also test how plant diversity and plant traits influence mycorrhizal diversity. To fulfill the project aim, we plan to sample a total of 25 localities in western Himalayan region. These localities will represent a factorial combination of temperature and precipitation. To estimate mycorrhizal diversity, 2.5 kb fragment of rDNA will be sequenced. We will involve local people and researchers from Himalayan region during the project work. We expect to generate at least one scientific publication in a peer-reviewed ecological journal. The outputs of the project will be disseminated to the scientific audience as well as the general public for its maximum impact. All the datasets generated during this project will be open access for everyone to use after publication.

Central Chile is part of a global biodiversity hotspot. This Mediterranean ecosystem includes many endemic sclerophyllous plants. It’s currently threatened since it is the most densely-populated area of the country and an agriculture center. This area has the highest diversity of vascular plants, and is the center of diversity of some genera such as the orchid genus Chloraea. Some Chilean orchid species are critically endangered and urgent actions are needed to ensure their long-term conservation. Chilean orchids are terrestrial and associate with mycorrhizal fungi (usually Rhizoctonia-type) that are key for their germination and their subsequent growth and survival. To establish propagation, conservation and restoration programs of Chilean orchids, a full understanding of the diversity and distribution of their fungal partners is required. In particular, we require an understanding of orchid-fungi specificity, since rare and/or endangered orchids could be restricted by the presence of specific orchid fungi in the soil. In this project, we aim to understand the diversity of mycorrhizal fungi in the soil close to different orchid species found in a latitudinal gradient in Central Chile and to compare this diversity with the fungal species that can be found inside the root system of the plants.

The project is titled "Study of Underground Mycorrhizal Fungi for Landscape Restoration in the Miombo Highlands of Burundi.”. The project aims to generate high-quality data on the belowground diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi in miombo forests. Sampling will be conducted precisely in the provinces of Buhunnyuza and Isale. Fieldwork will include various tasks such as collecting soil and root samples and conducting surveys of planters. All of this work will be documented using GoPro cameras. A soil subsample will be utilized for DNA metabarcoding, while another will be used to assess AMF spore density and abundance. Soil subsamples will be stored at -80°C until we begin lab work. Fine root samples will be sampled and preserved in ethanol to document and illustrate ECM dependency ratios. Project outputs will elucidate the links between native trees and the diversity of ECM fungi and will support the efforts of local communities to restore the landscape from these native forest species.

The coastal dune ecosystems of the barrier islands along South Texas bays in the northern Gulf of Mexico provide important ecosystem services such as wildlife habitat and serve as the first line of defense against hurricanes and sea level rise. They represent a unique system as the South Texas estuaries and bays surrounding the barrier islands lie along a gradient of salinity (from 8 ppt to 40 ppt) but are considered at-risk ecosystems as they are also subject to different degrees of natural and anthropogenic degradations including oil pollution. It is an ideal system to study the mycobiome diversity of the ecoregion as it can serve as a space-for-time substitution of environmental change impacts on belowground fungal communities. Our project aims to assess the diversity of mycorrhizal communities (and soil mycobiome) in coastal dune ecosystems of barrier islands and how the environment and any concomitant changes shape these communities. Insights gained from the study can help inform conservation of underground communities and coastal management, and potentially aid in nature-based solutions for conservation and rehabilitation of barrier island habitats.  

The project aims to answer the following questions: (i) how are Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal (AMF) communities structured along native and impacted (degraded) areas of southern Amazon? (ii) AMF inhabit and colonize the Amazon leaf litter? (iii) how AMF communities differ between the soil and the adjacent litter? (iv) what is the degree of loss of diversity and functional groups between pristine and degraded areas - What is the impact of degradation? and (v) which and how soil and litter properties can influence the composition of AMF communities under different conservation conditions? The project represents a pioneering study on environmental sequencing of mycorrhizal fungi in soil and litter in the Amazon. The Amazon harbors one of the largest shares of global biodiversity, especially in plant species that can contribute to a huge diversity of microorganisms in the soil and litter. However, it is the Brazilian biome with the fewest diversity inventories for many groups of fungi, such as AMF, especially in the south portion of Amazon, where no work has been effectively published.

The number of fungal species in Madagascar is unknown. Ralaiveloarisoa (2022) estimated that there might be as many as 84,000 – 140,000 species in Madagascar while less than 1000 species (less than 2%) have been described. Many of these species are already under threat due to slash and burn agriculture and might disappear without knowing them. Thus, metabarcoding of the fungal community would be imperative to increase the knowledge on Malagasy fungi more rapidly than is possible with the traditional methods before their vanish. The aim is to produce DNA barcodes of the whole fungal community within a sample using high-throughput DNA sequencing technology and to understand the distribution and the ecological roles of fungi quicker. The results will allow us to compare the fungal diversity from the humid forests in the center and eastern Madagascar to those present in the dry forest in the South-Western. The data produced during this project will increase the number of sequences present in the public repositories so that they also can be used to evaluate the conservation status of Malagasy species.

Argentine Mesopotamia is a region composed of 3 provinces and 3 very different ecoregions: the Espinal Ecoregion; the Southern Cone Mesopotamian Savannah, where the Iberá Wetlands are located, the second largest wetland in the world; and the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest, where one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, the Iguazú Falls is located, and where 52% of the country's biodiversity is found. Despite the ecological importance of this region, it concentrates more than 75% of the country's afforestation with species introduced more than 80 years ago, with pine and eucalyptus, two exotic species with mycorrhizal associations, being the most cultivated. However, it is not known how many mycorrhizal species have been introduced and how they have affected the native fungi. Therefore, the aim of this project is to analyze the diversity of exotic and native mycorrhizae in order to assess the impact of afforestation on native mycorrhizal diversity and to initiate awareness and mitigation measures.

The alpine treeline in the north-western Himalaya forms a distinct ecological boundary between the upper limit of closed-canopy forests and the alpine vegetation. Trees in this ecotone are highly sensitive to climate change, and soil microbes can help relieve climatic stress for them. Investigating how the soil mycobiome responds to environmental changes, including shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns associated with climate change, can help predict and mitigate the impacts of climate change on soil fertility, carbon storage, and ecosystem stability. In this context, the documentation of the soil mycobiome within the treeline ecotone of climate-sensitive Himalayan landscapes is of utmost importance. In the present project, we will collect baseline data on the soil mycobiome using molecular methods (DNA extraction from soil, its amplification using specific primers, and subsequent data analysis). This will help us gain information with potential use in monitoring and assessing ecosystem functionality and tracking the ecosystem impact of impending global climate change. It can also be used to understand how the diversity, distribution, and functionality of the soil mycobiome itself may be affected by the changing climate. The valuable insights gained from the proposed project can be applied to ecosystem restoration programs.

The Miombo woodlands are tropical seasonal woodlands with extensive distribution in Africa, dominated by plant species belonging to the genera of Brachystegia, Isoberlinia and Julbernardia. The Miombo woodlands are economically important for timber production, firewood collection and provision of non-timber forest products among others. The Miombo woodlands are also significant for nutrient cycling due to their capability of forming symbiotic associations with microbes such as fungi. While microbes such as fungi are imperative for mediating ecosystem functions, the diversity and composition of these microbes in Miombo woodlands are poorly understood due to little or no knowledge availability. Further anthropogenic activities such as deforestation, coupled with global climate change, are threats to forest ecosystems with Miombo woodlands inclusive. Therefore, in our project we will explore soil and root associated fungal diversity and composition through fungal DNA barcoding in Miombo woodlands, integrating sites (unexplored for microbes) in Zambia showing variation in abiotic factors (e.g. climatic conditions and soil nutrient availability). The knowledge from this project will provide a better understanding on the interaction of Miombo woodland species with microbes, thereby contributing to sustainable management of these woodlands.

Co-PIs:

International Congress of Armenian Mycologists or ICAM: Claudia Victoroff-Bashian, Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian, PhD, Arik Joukhajian, Tania Kurbessoian, PhD

The International Congress of Armenian Mycologists (ICAM) are conducting a nation-wide survey of soil fungi across the mountainous Republic of Armenia, targeting unique microclimates from humid deciduous mixed forest to semi-desert ecosystems clustered across a small geographic range. The Caucasus region and southwest Asia are listed as highly important regions for fungal conservation (Dahlberg et al., 2010), but anthropogenic threats to the Armenian landscapes continue to increase. While travel to portions of the affected regions remains impossible or impractical, the imposing threat of warfare has created an extreme urgency for biodiversity surveys within adjacent ecosystems. Understanding the identities and distribution of fungi in this region is paramount for plant and fungal conservation, and to contribute to a global understanding of soil fungus biogeography, but few studies have occurred within the Southern Caucasus region and even fewer studies have occurred in Armenia relative to its neighbors. By comparing the species composition of fungi across a stark environmental gradient within the small geographic range of Armenia, this project will provide critical information on how biotic soil conditions impact the distribution of mycorrhizal fungi.

The Himalaya Hindu Kush mountain range is a biodiversity hotspot, yet underexplored for soil fungal diversity. It exhibits broad environmental gradients in elevation as well as geographical and temporal gradients in precipitation. These mountains host many ectomycorrhizal trees like oaks, pines, cedars. These sites will be explored for ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) including dry and moist temperate forests in Pakistan. The moist temperate forests are located in Kaghan and Bahrian with the dry temperate forests located in Kalam and Parachinar. The ectomycorrhizal fungi will be identified by amplification of ITS as well as LSU region (SSU, rpb if needed). The soil samples will be analyzed by illumina sequencing. Repeating sampling throughout the year will further determine differences among seasons, specifically in relation to the monsoon which is a key climatic event in the region where 80 % of yearly precipitation falls in 3 months. The contrasting precipitation patterns among the habitats and seasons will identify the driving forces for distribution of EMF taxa in relation to this key environmental parameter. The data obtained will unveil the hidden treasure of below-ground plant root symbiotic fungal taxa.

The area of study is the UNESCO heritage sacred Kaya Kauma and Kaya Chivara forest fragments within the Coastal region of Kenya (38.5° E and 41.5° E lies between 0° and 5° S), at 300m above sea level. The area experiences low and unpredictable rainfall with frequent severe droughts. The area is characterised by a variety of soil types and minerals. The two sacred forest fragments, 10.7 km apart, were once a continuous forest landscape stretch. It is intercepted by farmlands and settlements, rill and deep gulley erosion. The plant communities form association with ecto-mycorrhizal and arbuscular mycorrhizal. Tree planting is a common activity in the region with limited evidence of success. Root symbionts are overlooked in tree establishments, and yet the relationship may range from facultative to obligate.  The integration of mycorrhizal association into the nursery management of seedlings is important for survival and subsequent establishment of tree seedlings. The use of native mycorrhiza may guarantee more success. 

A total of 24 soil samples and ectomycorrhizal fruit bodies will be collected from distinct points. The samples and specimens will be transferred to the laboratory for characterization of both Ecto- and Arbuscular- mycorrhiza species and mineral analysis. Morphological and molecular methods involving DNA extraction and nested PCR amplification, will be used for the identification. A mycorrhizal inoculum potential assessment will be conducted using the Most Probable Number (MPN) method. An awareness creation will be undertaken to explain to the community nursery groups the role of mycorrhiza in ecosystem functions and plant nursery management. A semi-structured questionnaire will be used to evaluate management of seedlings.  The mycorrhizal status of seedlings from four nurseries will be inoculated and planted near the sacred forest degraded landscape. Community members and school children will be selected to participate in laboratory observation of mycorrhizal fungi.

Soil biodiversity plays a key role in provision of ecosystem services. Conservation of soil organisms and their inclusion in policy agendas is imperative. The Mt. Kenya forest is a biodiversity hotspot but the diversity of most soil biota is unexplored. Mycorrhizal fungi are a key component of forest ecosystems and they influence different biogeochemical processes. This project will compare the diversity of mycorrhizal fungi in protected and unprotected areas within the Mt. Kenya forest. It will provide an insight on the status of mycorrhizal fungi and contribute to the conservation and monitoring of soil biodiversity.

Northeast India is situated at the confluence of Indo-Malayan, Indo-Chinese and Indian bio- geographical realms and as a result of this the region harbours rich and diverse culture and high biodiversity and endemism. The region’s vegetation types range from tropical rain forest in the foothills to Alpine meadows and cold deserts which amount to more than one-third of the country's total biodiversity. The region is an important part of the Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot, one of the 12 mega biodiversity hotspots of the world and represents 50 percent of Indian biodiversity. Seven hill states that include Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura in the region are collectively referred to as North Eastern Hill Region (NEHR). It is located between of 21°58' to 29°30'N latitude and 88°58' to 97°30' E longitude and is spread over 1, 83,741 km2 area. Climate of the region varies from tropical to alpine type with a very high range of variation in precipitation. AM fungi are obligate symbionts, their population and diversity may be determined by the plant species present in the given ecosystem. The hilly terrain of NEH interspersed with valleys and plains; the altitude varies from almost sea-level to over 7,000 meters above MSL. The change in elevation and climate allowed vegetation/forests of six major categories viz., tropical, subtropical, temperate, montane, subalpine and alpine. Above ground floristic diversity impacts below ground microbiome especially AMF. Information on the distribution and frequency of occurrence of specific AM fungi in the Indo Myanmar Biosphere of the NEH area is very scarce. Hence, we hypothesize to study the abundance and diversity of AMF across gradients in the Indo Myanmar Biosphere of the NEH in the light of changes in elevation and climatic variations in interactive and intra-active mode with native macroflora and microflora respectively.

The Selva Paranaense is home to the entire Atlantic forest of Argentina, one of the largest remaining virgin forests in the world. The Selva Paranaense is home to 52% of Argentina’s biodiversity, with more than 150 species of mammals, 564 species of birds, 260 species of freshwater fish, 116 species of reptiles, 68 species of amphibians, and thousands of species of plants and fungi. Due to the high levels of biological diversity and its many endemic species, it is classified as a global biodiversity hotspot. The Paranaense Forest faces serious threats of deforestation from agricultural expansion and the invasion of introduced and invasive species. In the last 120 years, 95% of the native forest has been lost, severely affecting the region’s flora and fauna. It should be noted that a large number of plant species have not yet been fully classified. The counterpart of the enormous plant diversity remains undiscovered: the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. These essential actors of nature have not been studied so far in crucial national and provincial reserves. Thanks to SPUN, we will unveil the underground networks of mycorrhizal fungi in these priceless relics.

Tropical dry forests are unique ecosystems that are seldom studied. Currently they are under constant anthropogenic threats, such as deforestation and climate change. However, there is very little information about the mycorrhizal communities from these types of forests, partly because attention has focused largely on the most humid ecosystems. We will base our study on one of the last remnants of this type of forest located in the community of Garachiné, in the province of Darién, Panama. We will collect soil from the area and then apply molecular techniques to identify the mycorrhizae present. Our project is a collaborative effort with colleagues from the University of Panama who are developing botanical studies in the area, which will allow us to relate the mycorrhizal community with the flora typical of this type of ecosystem. Our results will allow us to know the diversity of mycorrhizae in an area never studied, as well as their possible relationships with the species of vascular plants present in the tropical dry forest. The information produced will help us motivate further research and the conservation of this unique Ecosystem.

The project will be carried out in the main biodiverse mountain system of Guatemala, Sierra de las Minas, a particular geological and natural system originated from the encounter of ancient land blocks and tectonic plates. It is still now the natural limit in America of Holartic genera as Abies and Acer but contains many others that are distributed in Central America as well as many Neotropical genera.  The scope of this project is to identify molecularly the mycorrhizal composition of its different forest according to the altitudinal gradient.  And after then, 1. To identify the dominant fungal genera and species, 2. To identify those that could be useful for inoculum in forestry and 3. To determine or confirm the taxonomic identity of many fruit bodies of ectomycorrhizal mushrooms, mainly basidiomycetes in the orders Russulales, Boletales and Cantharellales collected before and during the sampling. This is the first large molecular study that will provide information about fungal diversity in the country.

Mycorrhizal fungi play a key role in ecosystem health by providing nutrients to plants and drawing down carbon into soil systems. However, the power of these nutrient-providing fungal networks is under-exploited in Ghana's agriculture where there could be potential food insecurity in future. Ghana's coastal areas which are threatened by erosion and anthropogenic activities such as illegal mining are predicted to have abundance of mycorrhizal species. This study therefore sought to (i) map the mycorrhizal species and abundance in Ghana; (ii) to determine land use effect on mycorrhizal species and abundance, and (iii) evaluate the effect of illegal mining on mycorrhizal species.

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

The Chota-Nagpur ecoregion, a part of the Deccan Peninsula Biogeographical Zone in the Indo-Malayan realm, spans 122,419 km² and comprises a tapestry of landscapes—from lateritic plateaus and rugged ravines to dramatic cliffs, deep alluvial plains, gorges, and monadnocks. The ecoregion, characterized by a tropical monsoon climate with distinct dry and wet seasons, is home to Asia's largest Sal (Shorea robusta) dry deciduous forests. Yet, despite its ecological richness, the fungal biodiversity of this ecoregion remains largely unexplored, presenting a unique opportunity to explore its diverse soil fungal communities. Mycorrhizal fungi, in particular, are invaluable bioindicators of forest health, but despite their ubiquity and importance, they often remain unseen, neglected, and not studied. Regrettably, forest fires, climate change, and extractive industry activities are causing fungi to become extinct at an accelerated rate. Therefore, a dedicated green restoration and conservation study is urgently needed. This soil mycobiome consortium study can effectively map and identify new species while providing insights into the hidden ecological dynamics, allowing us to harness them as a climate solution before they go extinct. Protecting these tiny, invisible underground fungi not only safeguards the forest land from extractive industries but also enhances the broader environmental context.

East Deccan Dry Evergreen Forest of India (EDDEFI) is Unique in its character as they are confined to a part of the Peninsular India (25458 sq.km spread over). EDDEFI is present along the coast of Bay of Bengal extending from Nellore of Andhra Pradesh and towards Tanjore District in Tamil Nadu state, India. The forest is restricted within the range of 30 to 100 km away from the coast with the stretch of more than 500km uniquely possessing evergreen plants. 1200mm - 1400mm rainfall, 75 - 85% humidity, 17oC in winter and 45oC in summer as temperature and dews from December to February are characteristics of EDDEFI. Small part of these sort of vegetation is found to strive at these environment making EDDEFI as Unique in its ecosystem at global level. The forest is highly threatened by local communities where only 5 % of the EDDEFI is possessing the natural vegetation. Currently we are exploring the beautiful Eco-region for the presence of Mycorrhiza.

Our project will contribute to map several under-sampled areas, ecosystems and habitats in Bulgaria, which are also major biodiversity hotspots and conservation sites within Europe. We will provide essential mycorrhizal biodiversity reference data points, while potentially identifying new mycorrhizal biodiversity hotspots. The local impact will be tremendous as mycorrhizal research in Bulgaria is underdeveloped. We will establish new research directions and build state-of-the-art expertise, especially in molecular ecology.

Can Gio mangrove forest covers a natural area of 70,445.20 hectares. In light of current climate change, the role and benefits of mangrove forests are becoming increasingly valuable and practical. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) represent a symbiotic association between plants and root fungi that is very common in nature. This demonstrates the intimate interaction between AMF and the microbial community, with the composition of AMF influencing both the function and the response of species to current climate change conditions. Thirty soil samples will be collected from Can Gio, and each soil sample will be used to isolate mycorrhizal spores. All collected spores will then be subjected to DNA extraction using the Qiagen DNA extraction kit, following the manufacturer’s protocol. The Small Subunit (SSU) gene region will be amplified for metabarcoding, and Illumina sequencing will be used as the sequencing platform. Mycorrhizal fungi will be identified from the SSU sequences using LotuS2. The coordinates of soil sampling points for AMF isolation will be recorded based on a grid system or the geographic characteristics of the Can Gio area. The results will be exported as a raster map illustrating the probability of AMF presence across the study area.

Charcoal production in southern Mozambique’s mopane woodlands, dominated by Colophospermum mopane, has led to widespread ecosystem disturbance. These woodlands, which are ecologically and economically significant, are increasingly degraded due to overharvesting and expanding urban charcoal demand. This study explores how such disturbances affect the diversity and composition of mycorrhizal fungal communities, which are vital for soil health and vegetation regrowth. Using a chronosequence approach in the Mabalane District (23.8478° S, 32.6249° E), we will assess fungal communities across abandoned charcoal kiln sites of varying ages and compare them to pristine mopane areas. Soil samples will be collected from 80 plots and analyzed using ITS region metabarcoding, with fungal identification performed via the UNITE database. Vegetation surveys will complement fungal data to examine regeneration patterns. Our research aims to determine whether passive restoration can support fungal and ecosystem recovery. Outcomes will inform sustainable land-use practices, conservation efforts near key biodiversity areas such as Kruger National Park, and policies aligned with REDD+ objectives. By integrating ecological, molecular, and spatial data, this work supports strategies for balancing charcoal production with the long-term resilience of mopane ecosystems—benefiting local livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and broader environmental sustainability in semi-arid southern Africa.

This project investigates the variety and adaptability of ectomycorrhizal fungi in Peru's nutrient-poor Amazonian forests, particularly in the Yungas forests of POTSOM POSHOLL and the white-sand forests of the Allpahuayo-Mishana Reserve. Our goal is to find fungal symbioses that promote ecosystem functioning through soil and root sampling, metabarcoding methods (ITS and AMF markers), and community involvement. In order to produce ecological knowledge that will direct soil conservation, restoration, and sustainable management in tropical forest landscapes. The project will evaluate how these fungi respond to human pressures.

The Indian Sundarbans, covering 4,260 square kilometers and are the world's largest contiguous mangrove forest. This ecoregion is UNESCO World Heritage and a Ramsar Site. Which are located in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta in the West Bengal Province of India-Bangladesh. The region is home to Heritiera fomes and Avicennia alongside famed Bengal tiger and other IUCN-listed animals dolphins and bird species.  Santal, Munda, Oraon, Ho, and Bhumij are the indigenous groups that depend upon fishing, honey harvesting, and ecotourism.  The Sundarbans serve a key role in carbon sequestration, controlling coastal hydrology, and functioning as natural storm barriers, thereby minimizing the impacts of climate change.The Indian Sundarbans' fungal diversity is threatened by rising sea levels, salinization, overtourism and climate change-driven habitat fragmentation, disrupting soil and water balances. Ineffective conservation policies prioritize flagship species over microbial biodiversity, leaving fungi vulnerable to habitat loss, undermining ecosystem services like carbon sequestration and coastal protection.

This project investigates how European beech trees adapt to climate change, particularly drought, through their partnership with ectomycorrhizal fungi. We study beech forests across nine sites in Romania, spanning from lowland areas to high mountain regions, including some of the country’s oldest and most pristine forests. These fungi play a crucial role in helping trees absorb nutrients, especially under stress. By examining how ectomycorrhizal communities vary with climate and elevation, we aim to better understand their role in supporting forest health. Using a combination of DNA sequencing, soil analysis, and plant trait data, our research reveals how forests respond to environmental challenges and highlights the importance of protecting belowground biodiversity as part of broader conservation efforts.

The main goal of our project is to advance the knowledge on the systematics and diversity of ectomycorrhizal clavarioid mushrooms in underexplored regions of Mexico. Genus Clavulina is a well-known ectomycorrhizal fungus with high diversity in Mexico. However, other clavarioid genera, like Clavulinopisis and Ramariopsis, are poorly known in our country and therefore deserve more attention. We will sample basidiomata in regions of Sierra Norte de Puebla and Sierra Madre Occidental, which include temperate and cloud forests. For all specimens we will obtain DNA sequences of ITS and 28S ribosomal loci, as well as detailed macroscopic and microscopic descriptions, which will allow us to identify new records and new species. Considering the high diversity of plant hosts and ecosystems, we hypothesize that the sampled region harbors a high diversity of undescribed species. On the other hand, the new information on Clavulina will help us to evaluate the conservation status of some known species using IUCN standards. Local people will be involved in the project by exchanging knowledge through workshops, increasing awareness of the local fungal diversity and the importance of its protection at all levels.

This project will explore how mycorrhizal fungi and microbial communities contribute to soil health and carbon/nutrient dynamics across India’s diverse ecosystems. Through soil sampling in the Himalayan forests of Mukhteshwar, the tropical zones of Guwahati, coastal Goa, and urban Delhi, the study will aim to uncover patterns of fungal and microbial diversity shaped by both ecological richness and human impact. Using whole metagenome sequencing (WMS), we will generate high-resolution profiles of soil microbiomes, focusing on taxonomic diversity, functional genes, and their roles in carbon and nutrient cycling. The findings will enhance our understanding of interactions between mycorrhiza and other soil microbes across eco-regions, and will provide evidence-based recommendations for regenerative land management and improved soil health. This project will contribute to SPUN’s global mapping efforts and highlight the ecological intelligence beneath our feet.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Communities in Dalbergia Sissoo: Comparing Diversity in Wilted and Healthy Groves of Nepal’s Natural and Plantation Forests Ram Bahadur Khadka, Ph.D. Nepal Agricultural Research Council Abstract Dalbergia sissoo (Sissoo) is an ecologically and economically important tree species in Nepal, severely affected by Sissoo wilt disease. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a crucial role in plant health and stress resistance, yet their association with D. sissoo in wilt-affected and healthy stands remains poorly understood. This study aims to compare AMF diversity and community composition in the rhizospheres of healthy and wilted D. sissoo trees across natural and plantation forests in Nepal. Soil and root samples will be collected from selected groves, and AMF spores will be isolated and identified using morphological and molecular techniques. Differences in AMF richness, diversity, and abundance between healthy and diseased trees, as well as between natural and plantation forests, will be analysed. The findings will provide insights into the role of AMF in Sissoo wilt resilience and contribute to sustainable forest management strategies for mitigating the sissoo decline. Keywords: Dalbergia sissoo, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), Sissoo wilt, fungal diversity, Nepal, forest health.

Intensive gold mining activities in Central Sulawesi have caused severe soil degradation and ecosystem disruption within the biodiversity-rich Wallacea region. The extensive mining operations have compromised soil integrity and natural ecosystem recovery processes, creating an urgent need for effective restoration strategies. This study investigates the potential of indigenous mycorrhizal fungi as agents for ecological restoration in degraded mining soils. Mycorrhizae establish beneficial symbiotic relationships with plants, enhancing nutrient uptake, improving stress tolerance, and restoring soil structure. By identifying and characterizing stress-tolerant mycorrhizal fungi native to the region, this research aims to develop biologically-based restoration approaches that leverage below-ground biodiversity to accelerate ecosystem recovery and support sustainable land management practices in post-mining landscapes. The findings will contribute to understanding how indigenous soil microorganisms can be utilized for effective rehabilitation of degraded mining areas, ultimately supporting both biodiversity conservation and sustainable land use in one of the world's most biodiverse regions. This research addresses the critical need for scientifically-grounded restoration methods that can restore ecosystem function while preserving the unique endemic biodiversity characteristic of the Wallacea biogeographical region.

The Palouse prairie of Washington (USA) is an endangered habitat, where less than 1% of the habitat remains due to land conversion. Restoration of the Palouse prairie may require reintroduction of plant and fungal species, if native fungi have been disrupted by non-native plants. Some late-successional native plants of conservation interest have high reliance on native arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. However, the establishment of fungi and plants may depend on whether roots are pre-colonized with fungi prior to transplanting into field plots or inoculated at the time of planting. In this study, we will evaluate the impact of pre-colonization with soil fungi from a remnant prairie on fungal and plant establishment. The native plant, Silene spaldingii (Threatened), was grown in a greenhouse with or without soil from a remnant prairie. Uninoculated plants were inoculated during transplanting into field plots. I will compare 1) the community structure of soil fungi in the remnant prairie and the restoration area prior to, and one year after, restoration (SSU, ITS2), 2) the growth of S. spaldingii and 3) development of seeded plant communities. This work will provide insights into how pre-colonization with native fungi influences the establishment of fungi and plants in restored grasslands.

The study site is located in a split structure within the fluvial wetland of the Rio Uruguay, the largest of its kind in Uruguay. The site offers a natural experiment for studying vegetation succession, with three areas at clearly defined stages: mature, intermediate, and neoformation, progressing from north to south. Although the ecosystem holds significant conservation value, it faces serious threats from the invasive legume Gleditsia triacanthos, which is displacing native species in parts of the riparian forest. In Uruguay, Gleditsia triacanthos is recognized as one of the two most invasive woody species, posing a significant threat to native forests due to its ability to outcompete and replace native vegetation. Soil microbial communities play key roles in plant health and establishment, thus, we aim to investigate how this invasive species interacts with the soil microbial community and how this interaction differs from that of native species. This site presents an opportunity to enhance our understanding of the relationship between a non-native invasive species and the native microbial community within the framework of ecological succession.

El estudio de la diversidad de hongos micorrízicos en el territorio Sarayaku, liderado por Nelson Alex Dahua Machoa y financiado por SPUN, abarca 144.000 hectáreas de bosques primarios en la cuenca del río Bobonaza, Pastaza, Ecuador. Este proyecto, enmarcado en la cosmovisión Kawsak Sacha, busca muestrear 60 muestras de suelo para analizar la composición de hongos micorrízicos mediante secuenciación Illumina, amplificando las regiones ITS2 y SSU, en colaboración con la Universidad UFA-ESPE y Scripps Research Institute. La hipótesis plantea que las prácticas tradicionales y la alta biodiversidad vegetal de Sarayaku favorecen comunidades fúngicas más diversas. Se capacitarán tres miembros comunitarios en muestreo de suelos, integrando saberes indígenas y científicos. Los resultados fortalecerán la conservación del ecosistema, la fertilidad del suelo y prácticas agroforestales sostenibles, además de generar una publicación científica. El proyecto incluye charlas educativas, materiales bilingües (español-kichwa) y capacitaciones en monitoreo ambiental para las siete comunidades de Sarayaku, promoviendo la soberanía territorial y la resiliencia frente al cambio climático.

Wild grapevine (Vitis vinifera var. sylvestris), the ancestor of cultivated grapevine, is distributed across diverse ecosystems of Georgia. These plants form symbiotic associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which enhance nutrient uptake and increase stress tolerance. The diversity of AMF associated with wild grapevine in Georgia has not yet been studied.The project aims to investigate the mycorrhizal diversity of wild grapevine (Vitis vinifera var. sylvestris) in different ecoregions of Georgia using modern molecular biology methods and in collaboration with international colleagues.

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Mount (Mt.) Tapulao in the Zambales Mountain Range is a Key Biodiversity Area in Luzon, Philippines, with diverse ecosystems ranging from lowland dipterocarp to sub-alpine forests. While its flora and fauna are relatively well-documented, the diversity and ecological role of mycorrhizal fungi remain largely unexplored. This research project aims to investigate the diversity, composition, and ecological drivers of mycorrhizal fungi across five elevational forest zones in Mt. Tapulao. The study hypothesizes that mycorrhizal diversity varies with elevation, soil properties, and host tree diversity. Soil samples will be collected and analyzed using DNA metabarcoding of the ITS region. Results will be analyzed to explore ecological interactions and inform conservation planning. Findings will serve as a baseline for conservation and restoration initiatives in the Philippines, particularly in Mt. Tapulao and other key biodiversity areas affected by tourism and mining. Community engagement will include a capacity-building workshop with local stakeholders, including indigenous Aeta communities and science educators, to raise awareness and share practical knowledge on mycorrhizal biodiversity. Project outputs will include peer-reviewed publications, local and international conference presentations, and educational materials (e.g., videos or poster) designed to promote fungal conservation and forest health in the Philippines.

A relic of California's past and part of the so-called Galápagos of North America, Santa Cruz Island (SCI) of the Channel Islands is home to diverse flora and fauna that inhabit varied vegetation habitats. Though several studies have investigated the island's aboveground population dynamics, few studies have explored the underground soil microbial communities – and recent reports have shown that the waters surrounding the island are polluted with microplastics, which may disperse via sea spray and endanger plant and soil communities. In light of this information, it is important to determine whether microplastics impact terrestrial plant and soil communities. To this end, our team will sample soils from diverse habitats that span elevational gradients and profile their microplastic and microbial community composition. This study will therefore detail how soil microbial communities change across various abiotic and biotic factors, providing not only a detailed inventory of microbial community responses to microclimate changes but also the first glimpse of microplastic dispersal potential from sea-to-land transitions.

Despite the importance of ectomycorrhizal associations in facilitating the mineral uptake of poor soils and improving forest productivity, there is very little interest in them in management programs for tropical forest ecosystems in the Haut-Katanga region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, as the diversity of fungi at the origin of these associations is still unknown. This project will shed light on ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity and establish a list of the region's fungi and their host trees. At the end of the research that will be carried out, we expect different fungal communities depending on the type of forest (Miombo, Muhulu, Mushitu) due to different environmental conditions.

The Tenasserim region of Southern Thailand represents a critical biogeographical transition zone harboring unique flora and fauna assemblages, yet arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) communities across its diverse forest ecosystems remain largely unexplored. This study aims to characterize AMF community composition and diversity across three distinct forest types: lowland evergreen forest, coastal sand dune forest, and mixed forest ecosystems, investigating seasonal variations between wet and dry seasons. Soil samples (n=48) will be collected from four protected areas during July and February, with AMF communities characterized through paired-end amplicon sequencing of the small subunit ribosomal DNA region using the Illumina NovaSeq6000 platform. We hypothesize that AMF community composition differs significantly across forest types, with highest diversity in mixed forests due to heterogeneous environmental conditions, and that seasonal variations significantly influence community structure with greater richness during wet seasons. This research will provide the first comprehensive baseline data on AMF diversity in the Tenasserim region, essential for conservation strategies of mycoheterotrophic plants including rare orchids and endangered species. The identification of native AMF strains will contribute to sustainable agriculture through biofertilizer development while advancing understanding of tropical forest ecology and mycorrhizal biogeography in Southeast Asia.

Our project aims to explore the ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity from Yucatan Peninsula and El Salvador. Yucatan has been considered as one of the high endemic places around the globe and we want to sample all their different ecosystems to have better picture of what is leading to this incredible diversity. On the other hand, there are similar ecosystems in El Salvador but this country has been studied very scarcely, so this study will be the first on its type to describe its diversity and then compare it with data we have from other Neotropical places.

Gazi Bay, located on Kenya’s southern coast, is a vital coastal ecosystem known for its extensive mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs. Home to all nine mangrove species found in Kenya, the area has been the focus of long-term conservation efforts and carbon monitoring initiatives. As a significant blue carbon sink, the mangroves provide ecological protection and socioeconomic benefits to local communities, including through carbon credit sales. Despite this, limited research has explored the role of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Ectomycorrhizae (ECM) in carbon sequestration within these mangroves. This project aims to enhance understanding of AMF and ECM diversity and their contribution to carbon storage. Sampling will occur in the Mikoko Pamoja conservation area, and will include disturbed, undisturbed, regenerated, restored zones, in additional to 10 permanent monitoring plots—totaling 42 triplicate samples. By analyzing environmental DNA (eDNA) from sediment cores, the project seeks to reconstruct historical patterns in mycorrhizal community structure and relate them to environmental changes and management interventions. These insights are intended to support effective conservation strategies and reinforce the bay’s role in global blue carbon dynamics.

Pastoral agriculture, especially when performed intensively and indiscriminitely, can diminish fungal communities through reductions in plant biomass and diversity. In contrast, mixed-species rotational grazing, a common practice on many New Zealand high country stations, can increase fungal diversity and abundance. By grazing species with different feeding preferences at different times, this approach can increase plant diversity and consequently support more fungi. This study will evaluate how this grazing practice influences fungal biomass, diversity, and species interaction network properties through it’s effects on plant community composition.

Northeastern United States forests play a key role in the global carbon sink, are projected to shift in forest composition and mycorrhizal association over the next century, and are at the forefront of rapid winter warming. Here, increasingly inconsistent winters drive frequent dry/wet cycles from snowmelt and leave soils vulnerable to freezing without an insulative snowpack. To study how these novel winter soil climate conditions could differentially impact fungal biodiversity, we will leverage a new climate change experiment that melts snow in a New Hampshire forest and an observational gradient ranging from centimeters- to meters-deep snowpack in forests across the region. The snowmelt experiment enables us to isolate the impacts of rapid winter climate change to elucidate how winter warming impacts mycorrhizal fungi. Data from the gradient study will both expand our scope of inference and generate valuable data to inform local conservation or management strategies (e.g. replanting efforts, selective harvesting). As over half of the Northern Hemisphere is characterized by seasonally snowy winters, this research will enhance our ability to predict how changing winters may broadly transform plant-mycorrhizal symbioses.

This research project explores the diversity and composition of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) in forest and savanna ecosystems in Eastern Rwanda that have been restored through the Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) approach. A total of 48 soil samples will be collected from two study sites: the Ibanda-Makera forest in Kirehe District and the Nyagatare savanna in Nyagatare District. The Ibanda-Makera site includes three distinct plots representing restored, degraded, and natural forest conditions. In contrast, the Nyagatare savanna site consists of three plots located at varying altitudes. Using high-throughput DNA metabarcoding of the ITS2 region and Illumina MiSeq sequencing, we aim to characterize AMF communities across varied vegetation types and restoration histories. We hypothesize that AMF diversity will vary significantly across Ibanda-Makera plots due to differences in vegetation and land use, while Nyagatare plots will exhibit more similar AMF compositions given their shared vegetation and management. Additionally, we expect AMF differences between restored savanna and restored forest plots. This research will generate essential baseline data on soil fungal biodiversity in Rwanda, inform restoration practices, and contribute to global understanding of AMF diversity, particularly in tropical regions that are often underrepresented in such studies.

The study will investigate the diversity and community composition of mycorrhizal fungi in Ngel Nyaki, an Afromontane forest in southeastern Nigeria. Montane forests comprise only 8% of Africa’s forest cover but have substantial biodiversity and provide numerous ecosystem services. The aim of this study is to assess the mycorrhizal fungal communities in this relatively drier, colder, and less diverse ecosystem compared to lowland tropical forests. We hypothesize that (1) mycorrhizal fungal diversity will be lower than in lowland forests, (2) arbuscular mycorrhizal associations will dominate, and (3) diversity will decline near the forest edge due to increased soil dryness. DNA will be extracted from the soil and the ITS2 rDNA region will be amplified and sequenced. A detailed assessment of the fungal taxa present will be carried out. By filling a major gap in tropical mycorrhizal research, our study will contribute to the broader understanding of microbial ecology in montane systems and probably, their role in supporting forest resilience under changing environmental conditions.

La propuesta de investigación consistirá en analizar la diversidad de hongos micorrízicos arbusculares en diferentes usos de suelos en ecosistemas agroforestales en la amazonía peruana, lo que se pretende es descifrar cuál es el impacto del uso de suelo en la diversidad, abundancia y caracteres de hongos micorrízicos arbusculares en los ecosistemas de cacao, café y bosque tropical. Se dará inicio con la identificación de ecosistemas de cacao y café como monocultivo, en sistemas agroforestales y con árboles de inga sp. Asimismo, se identificarán ecosistemas de bosque primario, secundario y bosque deforestado. En este proceso de investigación tomaremos submuestras de 100 a 200 gramos y se trabajará en el Laboratorio de genética molecular de la Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza gracias al convenio con la Universidad Nacional de San Martín. En seguida se extraerá el ADN a partir de las muestras de suelo y utilizaremos controles negativos secuenciados. Alternativamente, usamos el Nanodrop para cada muestra de ADN. En tanto, el secuenciamiento de ADN se realizará en The Scripps Research Institute, California EEUU.

The cooccurrence of global change factors (GCF), e.g., overgrazing combined with drought and climate changes, is a main reason leading to degradation of local grassland. We have conducted a two-factor experiment. One factor is an increasing number of GCFs, with 0, 1, 2, 4, 6 GCFs, following our previous study (Rillig et al. 2019, Science). Another factor is the practice of soil transfer and reseeding native species. There are 144 plots in total. We will test (1) an increasing number of global change factors will lead to the loss of AMF diversity and a decrease in abundance but will select those slow-growing taxa with high resistance; (2) a combined restoration of vegetation and soil communities can enhance the resistance AMF communities to multiple global change factors.

Threatened mycorrhizal communities of the tallgrass prairies: remnants, inoculants, and restorations

Tallgrass prairies are among the most endangered ecosystems in North America, with less than 4% remaining. Their deep-rooted plants sustain biodiversity, store carbon, and protect soils, but the mycorrhizal fungi that underlie these functions are poorly understood. This project will characterize arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal communities in two old-growth remnant prairies and evaluate the persistence and benefits of prairie-derived inoculants in an eight-year restoration experiment. Using LSU and SSU rDNA sequencing and soil analyses, we will compare fungal composition, hyphal density, and soil health across remnant, inoculum, and restored plots. Results will test whether reintroducing native AM fungi improves soil structure, plant establishment, and ecosystem resilience. By linking remnant prairie diversity to field-scale restoration outcomes, this research will provide actionable guidance for restoring tallgrass prairies and contribute to global efforts to rebuild threatened mycorrhizal networks that sustain resilient ecosystems.

Understanding the biology of threatened species is key to addressing the current biodiversity crisis. This project aims to expand biological and ecological knowledge of Lactifluus caatingae, a rare ectomycorrhizal fungus known only from the Caatinga region of Brazil and currently listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. We will conduct field expeditions in the type locality and environmentally similar areas to locate sporomes, identify host plants, map the species’ distribution, and evaluate threats to its survival. In parallel, environmental DNA (eDNA) from soil and root samples will be analyzed using a metabarcoding approach to detect the presence of L. caatingae and uncover its mycorrhizal associations. The data generated will refine our understanding of the species’ distribution and ecological interactions, potentially informing a reassessment of its conservation status. In light of recent Brazilian policies that incorporate fungi into National Red Lists, these findings could support its inclusion in national conservation strategies. Furthermore, the use of high-quality eDNA data will enhance broader knowledge of soil fungal diversity in underexplored areas of the Brazilian semiarid, contributing to conservation efforts in one of the most threatened ecosystems in the tropics.

Changa Manga Forest in Punjab, Pakistan—one of the world’s oldest and largest man-made forests—offers a unique opportunity to investigate mycorrhizal fungal networks in a historically altered yet ecologically complex landscape. Despite their critical role in nutrient cycling, plant health, and ecosystem stability, mycorrhizal communities in man-made forests, particularly in South Asia, remain poorly understood. This project addresses a key knowledge gap by examining how anthropogenic disturbance and plant species composition shape mycorrhizal diversity and structure. The project aims to test two hypotheses: (1) that mycorrhizal diversity declines with increased human impact, and (2) that native plant species support more diverse fungal communities than exotic species. Soil samples will be collected along biodiversity gradients using standardized protocols and analyzed via Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the fungal ITS rDNA region to produce high-resolution profiles of community composition. Findings from this study will provide valuable insights into the ecological functioning of soil fungal networks in human-managed systems and their potential role in forest restoration and resilience. Beyond scientific outcomes, the project will foster local collaborations, build research capacity, and promote biodiversity awareness. The results will inform conservation strategies in Pakistan and contribute to broader global efforts to understand and protect underground microbial diversity.

In central Australia, the Simpson desert is composed of parallel sand dunes that run for hundreds of kilometers. It has the particularity to encompass a network of rivers that originate in subtropical regions with high rainfall and penetrate into the dune fields from the North. Oncoming floods create the largest ephemeral wetlands in arid Australia, bringing water and sediments that contribute to soil fertility and dune formation. These exceptional conditions engender a relatively luxuriant vegetation compared with other arid regions that receive similar rainfall. While most plant species in the Simpson desert associate with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, Acacia and Eucalyptus shrubs that colonize interdunal corridors and riparian habitats can form mycorrhizal associations with ectomycorrhizal fungi, including iconic desert truffles. There is mounting evidence that drought conditions provoke plant nutrient deficiencies and that mycorrhizal fungi improve plant drought tolerance, but knowledge on mycorrhizal associations from arid regions is limited. We aim at filling this gap by establishing baseline knowledge of mycorrhizal diversity across landscapes in the Simpson Desert. We hypothesize that arbuscular mycorrhizal diversity is generally low and structured based on habitat type across the dune-interdune sequence, while riparian habitats within the desert are a source of ectomycorrhizal diversity.

Our project aims to understand how fungal communities bounce back in restored tropical dried tropical forest in El Salvador (Central America). Dried tropical forest are one of the most endangered ecosystems in the Neo-tropics due to their suitability for agriculture and urban expansion. However, in El Salvador, several patches of forest have resurged in the last 30 years as a result of changes in land use. The outcome of this process is a mosaic of restored forest with different ages. We will sample soil in these forests and, will determine whether the changes in vegetation match changes in fungal communities across these patches.

As a Caribbean island, Martinique is one of 36 global biodiversity hotspots. Its biodiversity is recognized as one of the richest and most endangered on the planet. The northern end of the island catches most of the rainfall and is heavily forested, the terrain is mostly mountainous due to volcanic origin. The southern part is drier and dominated by savanna-like bushland, but also mangrove ecosystems that support a vast array of marine and terrestrial species. Banana and sugar cane farming are the main agricultural activities, but people depend mostly on subsistence crops cultivated in permaculture, in remote places, which makes them particularly dependent on soil health and biodiversity.As an island isolated from the continent, Martinique has an endemism rate above 10%. However, it is not far enough from the continent not to be subject to species exchanges. The fungal diversity in the soil or on epiphyte roots is probably following the same pattern with some endemism, but also similar species as found in Central and South America. We also expect a large diversity of fungi according to the very diverse ecosystems found is the island.

This proposal aims to investigate the role of mycorrhizal communities in sustaining rangeland ecosystems in Khaptad National Park (KNP), Nepal, within the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. Despite rangelands covering 12% of Nepal's area and supporting highland communities, they are under-researched and face significant degradation from overgrazing, shrub encroachment, and anthropogenic pressures. This research aims to fill this gap by investigating three key hypotheses: 1) Mycorrhizal diversity in highland rangelands is linked to native plant species composition and ecosystem function; 2) Mycorrhizal fungi enhance soil fertility and plant resilience through nutrient cycling; and 3) Mycorrhiza contribute to the stability and resilience of plant communities under increasing anthropogenic pressures. The study will involve collecting 50 soil samples from five stratified sites within KNP, based on vegetation types and disturbance gradients. The findings are expected to have significant local, regional, and global impacts, including updating Nepal's national fungal checklist, informing conservation strategies like the Nepal National Biodiversity and Action Plan (NBSAP), and developing awareness materials on wild mushrooms. Ultimately, this project seeks to integrate fungal ecology into sustainable rangeland management policies and enhance local community awareness of the importance of mycorrhiza for their livelihoods.

Mycorrhizal diversity and composition can serve as natural indicators of pollution due to their sensitivity to environmental stress. A decrease in richness can indicate pollution levels, while a shift in community composition can indicate the severity of contamination.This study will provide data for local conservation banks and serves as a bio-monitoring tool to assess soil health.By highlighting the impact of textile effluents, the findings can encourage the adoption of eco-friendly dyes, promoting soil restoration and sustainable practices. In addition, the outcome of the research can help local advocating groups advocate for stricter regulations on waste disposal.

Rwenzori Tropical montane cloud forest exhibit a high diversity of plant species and communities, as a result of high humidity and mild temperatures that create favorable conditions for the coexistence of temperate and Neotropical flora. The forest has five distinct vegetation zones, several endangered species and the richest montane flora in Africa. Hence, it is necessary to determine how mycorrhizal fungi community diversity and structure differ in the different forests. The project will assess the diversity of soil fungi through meta-barcoding of soil in these cloud forests to know the true diversity that exists through mycorrhizal mapping.

These forests have not been explored and are located between the provinces of San Martin and Lamas. The indano tree, although of high commercial value, has decreased in number and only a few individual patches remain, which are important for reforestation programs. However, these forests have been affected by deforestation, land use change, and loss of endemic species. The Peruvian Amazon has seven main soil types, with ultisols being the most common. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi have been observed to be tolerant of drought and soil acidity conditions. However, the biodiversity of these fungi in the Amazon basin has not been studied. It is hypothesized that there are significant differences in the diversity and structure of these fungi in trees of B. crassifolia in San Martín, Peru, both as a function of size and altitude.

The ancient temperate rainforests of Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii (BC, Canada) are part of the Coastal Western Hemlock biogeoclimatic zone, in which Western Redcedar and Western Hemlock trees dominate. These coastal rainforests produce trees that can live over 1,000 years and measure up to 5 metres in diameter. Black bears in these forests commonly use hollow trees for denning, but large hollow trees are generally removed during forest harvesting operations, leaving few suitable options after forest harvesting. Given the relatively short harvest schedule of forests in BC, there is little opportunity for such bear dens to persist, or develop in future forests. Understanding the ecological conditions necessary to create suitable arboreal bear dens is critical to sustainable bear management in BC. This project represents the first molecular characterization of the wood decay fungi responsible for creating cavities suitable for denning. Knowing the identity and distribution of the microbes responsible for this process is step one in being able to predict, protect and create the conditions needed for the survival of arboreal bear dens in BC, and the bears that rely on them.

Grassland restoration is a growing practice throughout the world but we are rarely able to achieve plant community structure and diversity that mimic old growth grasslands. In fact, identifying and defining old growth grasslands is under debate. An ancient soil structure that hosts diverse microbial and fungal communities may be a hallmark of old growth grasslands which host high plant diversity and complex structure. The homogenization of soil structure may be one important limitation to grassland restoration because the simplified underground environment may not host a diverse belowground community and many “high quality” grassland plants rely on specialized mycorrhizal interactions more so than widespread weedy species. By better understanding how mycorrhizal diversity varies across remnant, agricultural, and restored grasslands, we will be able to understand whether old growth grasslands have unique belowground communities and whether restoration can increase soil community diversity and to what extent this relates to plant species diversity. This will aid in identifying old growth grasslands in places where management history is uncertain, providing evidence to back conservation of high quality ecosystems. These results could also guide decisions around potential soil inoculation throughout the restoration process to help build diverse soil communities. 

Tropical Andean montane forests are hotspots of endemic plant species and provide a number of ecosystem services in terms of biodiversity, water, and carbon sequestration. The Andean timberline ecosystems in upper montane forests have been inhabited since prehistoric times for grazing and agriculture activities for ancient civilizations. However, anthropic activities have increased to perpetrate illegal mining and new cropland frontiers, and the long-period drought events caused by climate change increases the flammability of treelines for fire events. This study challenges the understanding of the soil microbiota diversity across undisturbed and disturbed treeline montane forest and grassland ecosystems along the eastern flank of the SE Peruvian Andes. The main hypotheses of this research pave the way to gather this understanding that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi diversity decreases from montane cloud forest to puna grassland ecosystems, which will be related to grazing, fire events, abiotic factors, and plant diversity, and to what extent these patterns are determined by soil nutrients availability. Our outcomes will be engaged with national and international mycologists to expand and find new frontiers of knowledge about belowground soil biota for tropical regions, and this project is open to collaborate with other projects to understand the forest ecosystem functioning.

Cliffs are extreme environments that hold unique and diverse plant communities with a great ability to adapt to their particular severe conditions. Cliffs hold specialist plant species, many of them being endemic and threatened plant species. Mutualistic interactions with mycorrhizal fungi may favor their adaptation, as they can ameliorate plants toward biotic stress mitigation or efficient water nutrient acquisition. Moreover, considering the potential specific selectivity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) to cliff plant hosts, the cliff mycorrhizal community may be unique. However, these questions remain largely unexplored. An in-depth understanding of cliff microbiota and their distinctive and specific interactions with cliff plants is key to understanding this unexplored system. Considering all this, we hypothesize that: H1.-Cliff-specialist plants hold specific mycorrhizal communities that favour their adaptation to cliffs environments. H2.-Generalist species inhabiting cliffs form different mycorrhizal symbioses than the same species growing on a horizontal stratum in the vicinity of the cliff.

Land use types influences the diversity of mycorrhizal fungi. Our project aims at sampling the mycorrhizal diversity in three land use types (natural forest reserve, tree plantation, and grazing grassland) in the Highlands Forests of Cameroon. The area consists of mixed forest and savannah grasslands with some of the highest levels of endemism in the Western Highlands. This area is a biodiversity hotspot of global significance that supports a high diversity of animal and plant species, large numbers with restricted ranges, and many of which are threatened and critically endangered. The natural habitats are encroached on and are shrinking. Research on fungi diversity in this area is limited with few studies. With our team, including landscape ecologists, mycology expert, postdoctoral researcher, PhD and MSc students as well as local community members, we will carryout a field sampling according to SPUN standardized protocol. A total of 30 soil samples and 20 ectomycorrhizal fruit bodies will be collected from three land use types. The ITS region of the DNA and high-throughput sequencing technique of the Illumina MiSeq metabarcoding on nuclear ribosomal ITS2 region will be done. Field sampling and results will be discussed with local communities and conservation groups to reinforce soil conservation in the Bamenda highlands, and the communities will learn more about the importance of mycorrhizal in general. Therefore, the scientific data will be shared with the communities in the Bamenda highlands to speak more loudly about the importance of mycorrhizal networks. This project will add crucial data to the map of fungal diversity in Cameroon, targeting the different land use types where the underground fungi have so far never been explored. The data obtained from this study will not only provide insight on how different land use influences mycorrhizal diversity but also contribute to the conservation and management of these ecosystems, ultimately fostering ecological resilience. The results will provide useful information on key fungal components to be further exploited as indicators in a sustainable ecosystem management perspective.

This project is looking at exploring the soil fungal abundance and diversity from bulk and rhizosphere samples at Wits Rural Facility a Lowveld Savannah Ecosystem in Limpopo, South Africa. The ecosystem is economically important to the region for animal and plant biodiversity, supporting ecotourism, farming, dry and wet wood harvesting. Sampling will be conducted following the SPUN sampling protocol on two forest patches of Terminalia sericea (silver cluster) and Dochrostyachys cinerea (sicklebush) and their adjacent open grass patches. The ecosystem is a biodiversity hotspot with the open grassy patches composed of Hyperthelia dissolute, Panicum maximum, Heteropogon contortus and Themeda triandra as the common grasses with few below ground biodiversity studies having carried out in the ecosystem. After DNA extraction, PCR amplification, sequencing will be done on both ITS2 and SSU using Illumina MiSeq platform, to explore the abundance and diversity of fungi with a special interest in arbuscular mycorrhiza in the ecosystem. Scientific impacts of the study will be to give further insight on the top-down effects of fire and encroachment on the ecosystem and its implications to below ground fungal diversity and a significant contribution to global diversity mapping. Social benefits will include the sharing of knowledge about fungi and soil sampling techniques to the local communities and how they can improve their management of the ecosystem for environmentally friendly future sustainability.