Projects
Research on fungal growth, mycotoxin production and production of volatile fungal metabolites in buildings to prevent the sick building syndrome Ghent University
In this project an LC-MS method will be develop for the quantitative determination of mycotoxins in mould cultures and a GC-MS method for the semi-quantitative determiantion of fungal volatiles. Moulds present in buildings will be analysed on their mycotoxin and volatile metabolites production. Measures to prevent growth, mycotoxin production and production of fungal volatiles will be proposed.
Genetic variation in wild and cultivated Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.): Evolutionary origin, global distribution, and its effect on fungal disease incidence in Southwest Ethiopia KU Leuven
Crop biodiversity, which comprises both the diversity within and between crop species and their wild relatives, is highly valued because of its potential to adapt crops to changing environmental conditions and consumer’s demands. Crop diversity is currently threatened land use conversion and agricultural intensification. The characterisation of the genetic diversity and make-up of the wild and cultivated gene pool of a crop is key to make ...
Exploring the potential of plant defensins as basis for diagnosis and treatment of fungal diseases KU Leuven
Each year, invasive fungal infections cause 1.5 million of deaths worldwide and this number is still increasing. Besides the increasing number of immunocompromised patients, the increased use of implants and other invasive devices is also an important factor resulting in the increased prevalence of fungal infections. In general, 80% of the microbial infections is thought to be biofilm-based. Biofilms are groups of cells that are embedded in a ...
Role of superantigens in fungal airway disease Ghent University
Fungal airway diseases are chronic eosinophilic mucosal inflammatory disorders driven by hypersensitivity responses to extramucosal fungi extracts1. Staphylococcus aureus, a prodigious superantigen producer, is commonly cultured from fungal sinus surgeries1,2. Although the role of superantigens in chronic rhinosinusitis has recently been recognized3,4, similar immunological mechanisms in fungal airway disease need to be explored1,5-7. ...
Exploring the potential of a newly discovered Arabidopsis gene as a molecular trait in banana for increasing resistance against fungal disease KU Leuven
Banana (Musa spp.) is one of the major crops globally, as it is an essential food source for millions of people as well as an important export product for many (sub)tropical countries. Banana production is threatened by diverse abiotic (e.g. drought, soil salinity, temperature extremes) and biotic (e.g. diseases) factors. Of relevance for this study are the two most important fungal diseases in banana; Fusarium wilt, caused ...
Advanced optical imaging methods to unravel host-pathogen interactions in mouse models of fungal (super)infection KU Leuven
Fungal infections in a context of pre-existing immunodeficiency or lung disease are often life-threatening complications, but our knowledge on the interplay of pathogen and host factors involved still contains important therapeutic, methodological and fundamental gaps. Host factors inhibit or facilitate infection dissemination, and we lack insight in this paradoxical role of immune cells. To address these challenges, we here want to develop ...
Fungal community analysis within and among Fagus woody debris and links to ectomycorrhizal tree regeneration Research Institute for Nature and Forest
In 2001, decaying beech logs were surveyed in the Sonian forest as ...
Fungal community analysis within and among Fagus woody debris and links to ectomycorrhizal tree regeneration Ghent University
The Sonian forest reserve in Belgium is a rare example of Atlantic beech forest, as is evident from its status as a UNESCO world heritage site. In such a natural forest, high amounts of dead wood are an essential component and key to the survival of many organisms. Fungal communities on dead wood are highly diverse and play important roles in the forest ecosystem. In 2001, decaying beech logs were surveyed in the Sonian forest as part of the ...
Ecology and management of fungal diseases in strawberry cultivation KU Leuven
Last few years, there is an increasing problem with fungal pathogens in the strawberry cultivation, in particular with Phytophthora cactorum, Phytophthora fragariae, Verticillium dahliae en Pestalotiopsis longisetula. Infection of strawberry plants with one or more of these pathogens results in considerable yield losses of up to 50%. Commercially available biocides show little or no efficiency in preventing ...