We are currently looking for a motivated student (f/m/d) for a B.Sc. project at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena (Germany). In this project, the student will work with symbiotic filamentous fungi of bark and ambrosia beetles under laboratory conditions. The student will explore and describe the total elemental composition of fungal mycelium and compare it with other non-insect associated beetles as well as with competitive and wood-degrading fungi.
Both bark and ambrosia beetles, which typically colonize rather nutrient-poor woody substrates (like phloem or xylem of weakened trees), are associated with a broad range of microbes such as filamentous fungi, bacteria, and yeasts. To date, only little is known about the role of these microbes and how they support the survival of their beetle hosts. Especially some of the associated filamentous fungi are believed to be of high nutritional value for the beetles, and thus ensure the successful development of beetles in such a challenging environment. In many cases, the beetles themselves are unable to survive without their fungal partners. However, our current knowledge about the nutritional value of these fungi is limited as detailed studies are lacking. Therefore, a comparative study on the elemental composition of different symbiotic and non-symbiotic fungi will be of crucial importance to understand how these beneficial fungi support their beetle hosts.
Within this project, a student will analyse and quantify the most important elements (such as C, N, P, S, Ca, Mg, Mn, and K) for the very first time of several bark and ambrosia beetle fungi using state-of-the-art techniques focussing on:
- Cultivation of fungi under sterile conditions
- Sample preparation
- Analyzation of samples using ICP-OES, ICP-MS, and an element analyser for C and N
- Comparison of results between different tested fungi
This study will be a collaboration between the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology and the Landesamt für Landwirtschaft und Ländlichen Raum Thüringen (TLLLR) in Jena (Germany). The analysis will take place at the TLLLR.
If you are generally interested in microbiology, mycology and ecology, and want to find out more about this project (e.g. details, start date), don´t hesitate to get in contact with us.
Dr. Maximilian Lehenberger
mlehenberger@ice.mpg.de
Prof. Dr. Jonathan Gershenzon
gershenzon@ice.mpg.de
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