LSFRI "Silava", in collaboration with the Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR", has started the implementation of the project "Alien ectomycorrhizal fungus Aureoboletus projectellus in Latvia: distribution and ecological impact on local fungal communities" (grant No. lzp-2024/1-0489) financed by Latvian Council of Science.
The spread of invasive species is increasing worldwide. Nevertheless, mycorrhizal fungi have not been widely studied in this context, yet these species are important for tree growth and the stability of forest ecosystems. The research focuses on Aureoboletus projectellus, a North American pine ectomycorrhizal fungus that has been observed in Europe, including Latvia, in the last 20 years, mainly in coastal pine forests.
We aim to explore its spread in Latvia and impact on local soil fungal communities, including pine mycorrhizal fungi, as well as to compare the nutritional value and potential toxicity of its fruitbodies. The following objectives are set: i) to assess the distribution of A. projectellus in Latvia; ii) to characterise soil fungal communities in sites where A. projectellus fruiting has been observed in recent years and assess its impact on soil fungal communities at the local level in coastal pine forests; iii) to detect the nutritional value and chemical content of A. projectellus fruitbodies.
Data will be presented in at least three publications of Q1/Q2 level journals and at international conferences, and in student final theses. Data, especially those related to invasiveness and the chemical content of fruitbodies, will be disseminated to the local community, nature conservation organisations and forest owners and managers. The research will engage foreign scientific institutions and obtained data will be incorporated into the Global soil sequencing datasets.