2. Research

2.1. Sustainable use of alpine and pre-alpine grassland soils in a changing climate - SUSALPS (2018 - : )

In SUSALPS I am involved in the soil microbiome and biogeochemical processes research (WP3).

2.2. Fungal priming and memory (2012 - 2016)

I was involved in Rillig´s lab to investigate the priming and memory response in fungi. For the first time priming effects by extreme temperatures in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and soil fungi have been analyzed at the eco-physiological level.

The aims of our study are: To establish the occurrence of thermo-priming and memory in saprotrophic fungi and AMF, to compare priming responses between spores and vegetative mycelium, to link fungal life strategies and fungal life history with the ability to remember past events and to elucidate the mechanisms involved in thermo-priming as well as the ecological effects of recurring thermo-stress on fungi.