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SFB 552: C6 - Diversity of endophytic fungi on cacao and impact on plant pathogenherbivorous insect interactions in relation to agroforestry diversity and management
Project
Project code: DFG SFB 552
Contract period: 01.01.2006
- 01.01.2009
Purpose of research: Basic research
This subproject aims at assessing the diversity of endophytic fungi in cacao trees in relation to agronomic practices. Our central hypotheses are that (i) the diversity of endophytic fungi is declining from agroforestry to monoculture plantations, that (ii) the incidence of herbivorous pests, ants, and plant pathogens is related to the diversity of fungal endophytes, that (iii) trees harbouring a high diversity of endophytes are better adapted to ENSO droughts and that (iv) management intensification in cacao monocultures will reduce endophytic diversity. We will monitor endophyte diversity at regular intervals in cacao field plots and will establish field and laboratory experiments with nursery grown cacao plants to test these hypotheses.
Section overview
Subjects
- Forestry
- Agroecology
Collaborative Project
SFB 552: Stability of Rainforest Margins in Indonesia (STORMA)