UNIROMA1

Department of Environmental Biology, University of Rome “La Sapienza” (DEB-UNIROMA1)

Associated Member

The culture collection of Fungal Biodiversity Laboratory at Department of Environmental Biology in Sapienza University of Rome accounts for more than 600 fungal isolates for ex-situ conservation of fungal species and academic and scientific purposes. The main objectives of the FBL collection are the taxonomical investigation and preservation of isolated fungal species from different environmental matrices (e.g. air, water, soil) and the study of their potential in providing important ecological services for ecosystems and humans and in the context of nature-based solutions. Aspects related to the geological roles played by fungi, such as decomposition of organic matter (e.g. litter and wood), cycling of elements (including nutrients and interactions with potentially toxic metals and metalloids) and their relationships with plants for growth promotion (e.g. biofertilizers) are investigated. Moreover, a specific focus is on the identification of possible candidates isolated from contaminated site by persistent organic contaminants, in particular pesticides such as DDT, glyphosate and lindane, and potentially toxic elements (e.g. As, V, Pb) for applications in the Bioremediation and Environmental Restoration. Some fungal strains have been also identified with molecular techniques and involved in genomic, genetic, phenotypic, and physiological studies, as well as in ecological research to deepen the roles played by fungi in ecosystem functionality.

Collection:

• FBL – Culture Collection of Fungal Biodiversity Laboratory

Key people:

• Anna Maria Persiani
• Andrea Ceci