Underground Explorers

This project aims to explore mycorrhizal fungi associated with Quercus macdougallii, an oak species listed as endangered (IUCN Red List). Found exclusively in the Sierra Juárez region of Oaxaca, Mexico, this oak species inhabits an area characterized by high levels of endemism and biodiversity, considered one of Mexico's most preserved areas. Despite its ecological significance, little is known about the fungal communities associated with it. Through comparison of samples from different biogeographic zones and targeting soil adjacent to the oak, we anticipate revealing novel fungal species and their ecological roles within the oak ecosystem, as well as identifying mycorrhizal taxa crucial for the oak's persistence. The project's molecular methodology includes DNA extraction using the DNeasy PowerSoil Pro Kit and sequencing of the ITS region with Illumina's HiSeq platform. This research not only addresses critical knowledge gaps in mycorrhizal ecology but also contributes to conservation efforts. The collaboration between academic institutions such as the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM), and the University of the Sierra Juárez (UNSIJ), along with the local communities (Chinantec and Zapotec communities), underscores the project's interdisciplinary and community-driven approach and enriches the project's societal impact.