Wood decay fungi Metagenome

This study aims to assess priority effects in the development of fungal decay communities. Beech (Fagus sylvatica) disks were precolonised singly with a range of wood decay fungi and placed in the field for 12 months. Following this, DNA was extracted from sawdust samples, and sequencing of amplified genetic markers performed to profile the fungal communities within. Understanding the dynamics of fungal decay communities is vital, since it is wood decay fungi that are key determinants of decomposition of recalcitrant lignocellulose and, therefore, of nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration rates in forest ecosystems.