This mycology class combines field excursions and a practical training in the lab. The participants will be introduced to the species diversity and morphology of basidio- and ascomycetes, learn how fungi are collected for scientific purposes and how they are determined by macroscopic and microscopic characters using specialist literature. This year’s course will focus on lichenized fungi.
Objective
Recognizing fungal species diversity and learning to determine basidio- and ascomycete species. Collecting, documenting and preparing herbarium specimens of fungi for scientific purposes. Introduction to the light microscopy of fungi. Learning how to use specialist mycology literature and understanding the technical terminology. Knowledge of the relevant macroscopic und microscopic characters of fungi.
Content
Introduction to the taxonomy of basidio- and ascomycetes. Field excursions to study fungi in their habitats. Study and determination of the collections in the lab. Micromorphology of basidio- and ascomycetes (incl. lichenized fungi). Introduction to major groups of plant-pathogenic fungi, especially rust fungi.
Lecture notes
Scripts will be handed out.
Literature
Technical literature will be provided in the lecture room.
Prerequisites / Notice
The course is restricted to eight persons who are requested to enroll by a written application to the lecturers. Requirements: The participants need to read in advance selected chapters from mycology textbooks (to be announced) to gather the basic mycology knowledge necessary for the course.
Performance assessment
Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)