Research theme:
The ecology and evolution of associated micro-organisms in the termite-Termitomyces mutualism
For all termite species of the subfamily Macrotermitinae agriculture is the key to survival. They cultivate a fungus called Termitomyces for food and cannot live without it. Termitomyces on the other hand can not survive in absence of termites, as it gets outcompeted by fungi like Xylaria rapidly.
Which micro-organisms are involved in the symbiosis of termites and Termitomyces? Bacteria and other fungi, from the soil or brought into the nest by workers, form a large source of potential hazard. It is still unclear how the nests are managed by termites, so that weeds and diseases do not flourish inside the nest.
Fungus garden with nodules of Termitomyces (white dots). Xylaria strain growing in Petri dish. Photos by Eline Hartog (2005).
Questions:
- How have termites, Termitomyces and associated organisms evolved?
- How do termites keep their nest free of pests?
- What is the role of Xylaria and Ophiostoma, (pest) fungi found in the nest frequently?
- Is Termitomyces suffering from mycoviruses?
Master’s students, who are interested in doing a thesis or internship on this theme, should feel free to contact me and ask for more information (also see: Thesis topics).