Project Details
Description
The influence of trees and ectomycorrhizal fungi on the function of tropical ecosystems is little known. Recent research has highlighted the importance of these associations in plant species abundance patterns and ecosystem functions in the tropics. Therefore, it is proposed to initiate a research plan on this topic to recognize the ecological mechanisms that govern the interaction of the soil-rhizosphere-plant continuum and its association with nutrient cycles. The study of the interaction between soil and plant communities of microorganisms and the influence of this interaction on ecosystem functions is a complex field that requires the integration of soil data, metagenomics of microbial communities and measurement of functional traits of both plants and microorganisms. Given the complex nature of these databases it is necessary to have an initial investment in reagents and laboratory equipment, as well as money for the payment of laboratory services of soils and molecular genetics external to the university.
Keywords
Initiate the characterization of the ectomycorrhizal fungi community associated with the most common ectomycorrhizal tree species in Colombia (Natives: Quercus humboldtii, Exotics: Pinus patula, Eucalyptus spp, Acacia melanoxylum).
Create a reference database with herbarium specimens that have been sequenced and identified by specialists to be used as input in environmental sample sequencing analysis.
It is hoped to find potential new species of fungi which will be published in collaboration with specialist taxonomists in international journals.
It is expected that the results obtained with these funds will be used to write research proposals of greater scope.
Two undergraduate students are expected to be trained:
-An undergraduate thesis on the effects of planting exotic ectomycorrhizal species on nitrogen availability in montane and paramos forests in Colombia.
-An undergraduate thesis on the diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi associated with Quercus humboldtii in the department of Cundinamarca.
Create a reference database with herbarium specimens that have been sequenced and identified by specialists to be used as input in environmental sample sequencing analysis.
It is hoped to find potential new species of fungi which will be published in collaboration with specialist taxonomists in international journals.
It is expected that the results obtained with these funds will be used to write research proposals of greater scope.
Two undergraduate students are expected to be trained:
-An undergraduate thesis on the effects of planting exotic ectomycorrhizal species on nitrogen availability in montane and paramos forests in Colombia.
-An undergraduate thesis on the diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi associated with Quercus humboldtii in the department of Cundinamarca.
| Status | Finished |
|---|---|
| Effective start/end date | 4/29/19 → 8/30/21 |
UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This project contributes towards the following SDG(s):
Main Funding Source
- Competitive Funds
- Starter Funds
Location
- Bogotá D.C.
Fingerprint
Explore the research topics touched on by this project. These labels are generated based on the underlying awards/grants. Together they form a unique fingerprint.