Phytopathology ¶

We investigate native and exotic pathogens of forest and ornamental woody plants in changing environments.

With our research we aim:

To understand the biology of pathogen populations at different spatial and temporal scales
To develop and improve methods for control of fungal diseases, with special emphasis on biological control with parasitic viruses
To identify potential invasive pathogens and the danger they may cause in a new ecosystem
To develop and implement modern diagnostic methods for tree pests and pathogens
To provide the basis for supporting federal and cantonal authorities in the prevention and containment of quarantine pathogens.

To fulfil legal requirements when working with quarantine pathogens, we operate fully equipped, state-of-the-art plant protection laboratories and greenhouses of biosafety level 2 and 3.

Current Projects ¶

In this project, we conduct monitoring of tree-associated fungi and oomycetes in forests of Azerbaijan. We use metabarcoding for the detection of fungal DNA from environmental samples and transfer technical knowledge to the Azerbaijani partner for future monitoring.

To differentiate between dead and alive fungi that may be imported with plant trade to new environments, we are testing a novel ONT sequencing technology on important fungal pathogens.

This project aims at investigating the effects of urbanization on diversity of foliar fungal endophytes of trees.

The objective of this project is to experimentally introduce in Hymenoscuphus fraxineus (ash dieback fungus) different hypovirulent inducing viruses from the chestnut blight fungus Cryphonectria parasitica and explore their behaviour in the new fungal host. In the best case, such viruses may also induce hypovirulence in H. fraxineus and, thus, be useful as biocontrol agents against ash dieback.

This project will evaluate the contribution of birds in the regulation of invasive insect pests and the potential spread of tree pathogens in urban areas. Insectivorous birds are known to be important predators of insects. This includes several invasive insect species that cause tree damage.

Hauptinhalt

Phytopathology ¶

Current Projects ¶

Tree-associated pathogenic fungi and oomycetes in Azerbaijan

Detecting DNA in molecular diagnostics: dead or alive?

Fungal endophytes of trees: how does urbanization affect their diversity and functional community composition?

Biocontrol of Ash Dieback using Hypovirulence-Inducing Mycoviruses from other fungal pathogens? (BADHIM)

Role of birds in biosecurity of urban trees and forests

Subsites ¶