The use of insect trap collection fluids for the surveillance of quarantine fungi in Belgian forests (FUNIN2TRAP)

To what extent can monitoring for (harmful) insects be used simultaneously to monitor recent introductions of exotic fungal pathogens that can threaten plants? That is the central question in the FUNIN2TRAP research project. Ideally, a separate fine-meshed monitoring network for fungal pathogens in our forests and rural areas would be created to enable early detection and thus increase the likelihood of successful containment. However, such a seperate network is prohibitively expensive. As an alternative, co-opting already existing insect traps to detect fungi would make fungal monitoring less expensive and more feasible. Extensive preliminary study work to determine the feasibility of this approach will be required, however. The risk of introducing exotic pathogens has increased due to growing international trade and climate change. Despite the lower likelihood of introduction due to good biosecurity measures, introductions continue to occur and must be detected.

The researchers start at lab scale. They examine whether (and which) commonly used preservation fluids, DNA extraction methods and protocols for amplicon sequencing are suitable for fungal detection, and test the sensitivity and specificity in controlled conditions. They fine-tune the established methodology by applying it to samples obtained from insect traps and spore traps under controlled indoor conditions and near trees showing symptoms of fungal growth. Thus, they obtain knowledge about the role of trap type in the number and diversity of trapped spores. Finally, the best scoring trap types are actually deployed in different locations in coniferous and deciduous forests in Wallonia during the summer and fall season, to validate the approach in field conditions.

This project is highly relevant to to the protection of forestry, agriculture and natural ecosystems. The ultimate goal is to detect new exotic pathogens in forests as quickly as possible to optimize their containment. ILVO already has expertise in monitoring airborne fungal pathogens (via traditional spore traps) as well as monitoring insects via insect traps. Combining both expertises would result in valorization that is both logical and significant. The researchers will compare their results with those of other research institutions within the transnational Euphresco sister project 'FUNINTRAP'.