Dutch title: De rol van fungi bij de afbraak van Riet (Phragmites australis) in het Schelde-estuarium.De rol van fungi bij de afbraak van Riet (Phragmites australis) in het Schelde-estuarium Funder identifier: P102/178W1500 (Other contract id) Period: October 1999 till September 2003 Status: Completed
Vlaamse overheid; Beleidsdomein Economie, Wetenschap en Innovatie; Agentschap voor Innovatie door Wetenschap en Technologie (IWT), more, sponsor
The aim of the study is to gain a clearer perspective on the importance of fungi in the Schelde-ecosystem by studying biodiversity, ecology and biomass of the reed fungi. The fungal succession, community and biomass will be followed during decomposition. Some taxonomic research is essential for further ecological study. The species composition will be studied in relation to a salinity gradient and other environmental factors. Fungal succession will be studied over a three year period in situ on reed. The breakdown of leaf blades, leaf sheats and culms of P. australis will be studied using the litterbag technique. Litterbag of each type will periodically be retrieved, to determine fungal biomass. Biomass will be determined by an ergosterol-technique.