Dark septate endophytes in promoting carbon sequestration

All land plants are associated with diverse microbial endophytes of which mycorrhizal fungi are thus far the most well recognized. Yet, the same root systems colonized by mycorrhizal fungi are systemically inhabited by dark septate endophytes (DSE) having global distribution. These ascomycetous root endophytes play important roles in the growth and stress tolerance of plant partners as well as in nutrient cycling. The aim of this joint project of the Natural Resources Institute Finland and the Finnish Forestry Center, is to investigate the capacity of DSE fungi to promote plant heath as well as carbon sequestration and storage. The existing scientific data considering DSE fungi, carbon storage and organic carbon determination possibilities will be assessed and based on this knowledge root endophytes will be determined from North Karelia. Furthermore, novel fungal strains will be isolated and DSE isolates identified from North Karelian specimens collected from forests and fields (grass and/or forage species). The effects of specific DSE strains on the growth and carbon content of seedlings will be determined experimentally with a greenhouse trial. The putative applications and business opportunities utilizing DSE fungi in promoting carbon accumulation in North Karelian soils will be evaluated and reported.

Project is funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Regional Council of North-Karelia and running from the beginning of July 2022 to the end of year 2023 .