IHI researchers discover new species of fungi on burn sites in Saxony

Scientists at the International Institute (IHI) Zittau at TUD Dresden University of Technology have identified two new species of fungus. In Saxon Switzerland National Park and the Gohrischheide Nature Reserve, they have discovered new species of burnt area cup fungi on heavily burned areas. These fungi could play a key role in the recolonization of burn sites in temperate climate zones.

© Alexander Karich

Since the large-scale forest fires in August 2022 in these areas, scientists have been investigating various aspects of fire ecology in forests. In selected study areas, particular attention is being paid to the natural recolonization of burned tree trunks and soils. In the first phase of recolonization of these heavily burnt areas by nature, various mosses and fungi dominate. The exact species inventory provides insights into the sequence of such successions, which means how the ecosystem develops naturally step by step.

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The burnt-area cup fungi newly described by scientists at IHI Zittau probably feed on the sugary plant sap that is released from fire-damaged trees as a result of the heat. These pyrophilic fungi and their biochemical activities subsequently form the basis for successful intrinsic renaturation, i.e. the self-healing of the burnt areas.

© Alexander Karich

The successful investigations of the burn areas are the result of intensive scientific collaboration between IHI Zittau and Saxon scientists from the national park (Dr. Annika Busse) and the nature reserve (Dr. Torsten Bittner) as well as with the Belgian mycologist Nicolas van Vooren.

Contact

Dr. Alexander Karich
Chair of Environmental Biotechnology
Tel.: +49 3583 612-4171
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