Fred Asiegbu
Professor
Researcher info
Institution
University of Helsinki
Department/faculty
Department of Forest Sciences
Contact information
Fred.Asiegbu@Helsinki.fi
09 191 58109
Keywords
biocontrol Canker Eucalyptus Forest trees fungi microbial ecology microbiomes pathogens Rigidoporus spp Rubber tree
Research projects
Fungi associated to trees are hyperdiverse, and not much is known about fungal biodiversity in the tropics. Equally, very little is known about their ecological impact on disease development and co-evolution with their host tree species, particularly in Paraguay. Of special interest are those that associate with native species of families like Myrtacea, famously known for the genus Eucalyptus, used world-wide in forest plantations. In recent years, fungal diseases of Eucalyptus plantations have become increasingly common. This endangers forest production, particularly in areas where little is known about the local microbes.
Team
Ximena Silva
The white rot fungus Rigidoporus microporus is the most economically important pathogen of the tropical tree Hevea brasiliensis with yearly economic losses of millions of dollars in the tropics. The control and management of the white rot disease of rubber in most tropical countries have been hampered due to limited knowledge of the population genetics of the different isolates as well as molecular basis of virulence mechanisms. Additionally, being a white rot fungi, members of the Rigidoporus genus are known to play major roles in nutrient and carbon cycling in tropical forest.
Team
Abbot Oghenekaro