PlantIn
Aliens among us: Spatio-temporal dynamics of plant invasions and their adverse impact on ecosystems, Slovak Research and Development Agency project no. APVV-19-0134
Background
Plant invasions are an ongoing process threatening biodiversity at the species, habitat and landscape levels. The unique composition of alien flora at a regional level is mainly influenced by climate and cultural factors. The proposed project focuses on the environmental background of plant invasions in Slovakia. Dynamics of plant invasions are studied in riparian vegetation along rivers that play a dominant role in the natural spreading of invasive plants and on semi-natural grasslands which represent the most invaded non-anthropogenic habitats in Slovakia. We will compare non-invaded plots and in plots invaded by F. japonica agg. or S. canadensis agg. An integrative approach will be used to study the impact of plant invasions, combining diversity of plants, bryophytes, fungi – by environmental DNA sequencing, molluscs and soil invertebrates with seed bank and soil properties.
Using time series of vegetation, seed bank, and soil properties, we will reveal spatio-temporal changes in riparian ecosystems which will be further linked with environmental and human factors. Based on field and revised herbarium data, we will reveal the ecological demands of model invasive plant groups (Fallopia japonica agg. and Solidago canadensis agg.) and estimate their potential distribution under current and future climate conditions. We will compare multiple-taxa diversity (plants, bryophytes, fungi – by environmental DNA sequencing, molluscs and soil invertebrates) in non-invaded plots and in plots invaded by F. japonica agg. or S. canadensis agg. Further analyses of soil properties, seed bank, microbial activity, and fungal trophic structure will shed light on changes of belowground ecosystem processes at studied plots.
Aims
We want to understand ecological demands of model invasive plants (Fallopia japonica agg. and Solidago canadensis agg.) and to estimate their potential distribution under current and future climate conditions. Temporal changes in riparian ecosystems will be further linked with environmental and human factors. The aim is to recognise the impact of invasive plants on the ecological processes in soil and biological diversity of invaded areas. In addition to general trends, we also study species or group-specific patterns.
Role of the MEM team
Soil, rhizosphere and fine roots of selected invasive plants and native control plants will be samples from invaded, contact and natural plots. The sampling is repeated on ten such triple plots for Solidago gigantea agg. and Solidago canadensis agg. As control plants are selected Dactylis glomerata and Galium verum. Our aim is to compare how much are natural fungal microbial communities altered by the invasion.
Drive4SIFood
Market-demanded research for sustainable and inovative food, funded by Operational Program Integrated Infrastructure within the project: Demand-driven Research for the Sustainable and Innovative Food, Drive4SIFood 313011V336, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund
Background
Sustainable agricultural production requires a synergy, interdisciplinary and progressive approach to produce healthy, functional and safe food under current climate changes. The project is oriented to research and development of innovative food supporting sustainable health, especially for vulnerable groups of the human population. The tools to implement these requirements are 15 activities using circular approach to achieve the goals. The project is coordinated by Slovak Agricultural University Nitra, has seven more partners including Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre SAS. Our institute deals with Amaranthus seeds as an alternative source of food.
Aims
The general goal of the project is to develop knowledge for production of quality, safe and innovative food, to implement it to environment-friendly production and to achieve energy efficient production. The object of the project at our institute is to understand efficient production of Amaranthus seed, and to produce safe food avoiding contamination.
Role of the MEM team
Our objective is to assess fungal endophyte diversity of Amaranthus seeds. These fungi can be food contaminants and potentially toxic for human. We want to understand which environmental factors during the plant production and seed storage influence the fungal endophyte community to avoid potential seed contamination.
DIPOFUNGI
Distribution potential of different fungal trophic groups in Europe, Slovak Research and Development Agency project no. APVV 15-0210, years 2016-2020
https://ibotold.sav.sk/dipofungi/
Dermoloma
Systematics and phylogeny of the genus Dermoloma in Europe and North America, Scientific Grant Agency of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic and Slovak Academy of Sciences project no. VEGA 2/0018/18, years 2018-2021
Background
Dermoloma is insufficiently known genus of basidiomycetes classified in the order Agaricales (Agaricomycotina). More than 30 species are described worldwide, but only few of them are generally accepted. Opinions about morphological delimitation and number of the species are very variable in the current literature. Traditionally, up to eight species are recognised, although more than 30 European species were described. Our preliminary phylogenetic study suggests existence of more than 25 molecular operation units in Europe that probably represent independent species. Aim of the project is to define European and North American Dermoloma species by means of molecular and morphological methods and to assign them correct names. Fungi of the genus Dermoloma are essential part of grassland ecosystems and accordingly this project will deal with studies of environmental soil samples. We will look for suitable metabarcode for identification of species using next generation sequencing (metagenomics).
Aims
· to define phylogenetic delimitation and placement of the genus
· to recognise molecular operation units based on molecular analysis and to identify their relationships within the genus Dermoloma
· to identify reliable morphological characters for the molecular operation units recognised by molecular studies
· to assess valid and correct names for defined species based on revision of original description and type material
· to evaluate evolutionary morphological and ecological adaptations
· to identify molecular markers suitable for metabarcoding of soil samples
· to test impact of various grassland managments (particularly mulching) to species diversity and abundance of Dermoloma
The principal investigator of the project is Slavomír Adamčík; project was performed by MEM members and other colleagues from Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre SAS.