Wild DNA Project

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In 2019 we initiated the Wild Fungi DNA Project with a grant from the Wettenhall Environment Trust. Our aim is to make DNA technology more accessible to citizen mycologists. Since then we have been part of a variety of related projects including:

Why DNA?

Very little is known about Australian native fungi. Only 5% percent of the estimated 250,000 species have even been described. In most cases their life-cycle, including generation length and frequency and triggers of fruiting, are not well understood. Yet most of the data about their ecological distribution is based on sightings of fruiting bodies. This makes it extremely difficult to determine which fungi are in need of protection. This is reflected in that only 12 species of fungi known to occur in Australia have published assessments under the IUCN Red List, with a few dozen more currently being assessed.

DNA technology has recently become significantly cheaper and more accessible. By using eDNA to search for rare fungi from soil, litter and other environmental samples can generate a more accurate assessment of their prevalence in the environment without relying on visual identification, which is a cumbersome seasonal constraint and becoming less common with climate warming. Data generated will be used to assess fungi for the IUCN threatened species list. In addition, this data will provide insights into the distribution of fungi and infer effects of disturbances caused by fire, land clearing, and climate change, as well as the relationships between fungi and other native species. Together, the data generated will improve land management and mitigation strategies that can help protect our native species.

Currently, most of the distribution data on fungi has been gathered by citizen-scientists through projects such as the Atlas of Living Australia and Fungimap. Among citizen-mycologists there is a growing interest in using DNA technology, however in Australia there is currently no accessible avenue for this to happen. By providing training and access to DNA sequencing technologies, this interest could be directed towards research that is extremely valuable for science and conservation.

Projects

DNA barcoding

DNA barcoding involves sequencing small sections of the genome in order to identify and classify species. This is much cheaper and more accessible than whole genome sequencing. We have been working on fast and low cost DNA extraction and sequencing. This year we plan to run free workshops to teach citizen scientists how to barcode fungi. We may also be accepting mailed in samples. If you want to be involved, sign up here.

Single species detection

We have developed methods to detect presence/absence of different species in environmental samples. These techniques are good for monitoring invasive or endangered species. One example is a colour change test we developed for the invasive Favolaschia claudopus.

Wombat Forest tree fall study

In 2021 high winds damaged large areas of Wombat State Forest. Since then we have been conducting surveys of 12 sites with different levels of storm damage and using eDNA to monitor changes in fungal community composition. Volunteers have taken part in surveying, sample collection, DNA extraction and analysis. We are currently writing up results from the first 2 years for publication.

In 2025 we will be able to expand this project thanks to a grant from the Wettenhall Environment trust. We have also brought on new organisational partners including the Field Naturalists Club of Victoria, Latrobe students Botany Club and Mycology Club, Fun Fungi Ecology and BioQuisitive. If you want to get involved with this project please email us on mycommunity@myco.org.au.

Bioplatforms Functional Fungi

In 2023 Bioplatforms Australia launched their Functional Fungi initiative to increase understanding of genetics of Australian fungi. The Wild Fungi Project was one of the projects selected for funding through this initiative. We will be sequencing the genomes of over 100 different fungi including herbarium specimens collected by volunteers and a wide variety of different fungal cultures.

Poop for Fungi for Plants

In 2024 the Moorabool Landcare Network initiated this project which is testing the use of scats from mycophageous animals to inoculate nursery plants with native mycorrhizal fungi. Mycommunity is a proud partner along with the Mt Rothwell Animal Sanctuary, University of New England and others.

Get involved!

If you are interested in getting involved with the Wild Fungi Project we have many different volunteering and education opportunities. For more info please contact us at mycommunity@myco.org.au