BENJAMIN FUCHS
Academy Research Fellow - Biodiversity Unit - University of Turku
RESEARCH PROJECTS
MUTUALISTIC PLANT-FUNGUS INTERACTIONS
We are researching the mutualistic relationship between Epichloe endophytes, which grow systemically within cool season grasses, as a model for understanding plant-fungus interactions. Our focus is on exploring how they can adapt to challenges posed by insect herbivores, agrochemicals, and shifts in environmental conditions caused by climate change.
Another project centers around a new form of plant-fungus symbiosis. In this endeavor, we introduce advantageous fungal strains to crop plants with the aim of establishing a mutually beneficial relationship that enhances plant resilience and resistance.
GLYPHOSATE RESIDUES IN AGROECOSYSTEMS
One major project aims to investigate the impact of glyphosate residues in soil on plant biochemical processes and their interactions with a variety of insects, with a focus on the cascading effects this may have on insect communities and biodiversity. By exploring the consequences of agrochemical use on plants and their interactions within ecosystems, the study seeks to reveal the potential links between herbicide residues, depleted species interactions, ecosystem services, and declining insect biodiversity. The research's significance lies in its holistic approach, contributing to an understanding of the broader ecological implications of agrochemical use, fostering awareness, challenging current norms, and providing insights for sustainable approaches to address global challenges.
INSECT BIODIVERSITY LOSS
Pollinators play a vital role in global biodiversity and ecosystem functioning by offering crucial services to both natural plant communities and agricultural productivity. The decline in insect pollinators, including species like bumblebees (Bombus sp.) and domestic honeybees (Apis mellifera), which are essential for horticulture and agriculture, is a significant concern. This decline impacts both wild insect populations and domesticated species, and it's linked to various factors such as land use, management practices, and pesticide application.
Our project focuses on studying how various farming strategies, methods, and techniques influence the diversity, population, and effectiveness of pollinators within agricultural environments. We're examining the ways in which agricultural practices influence pollinators' ability to recognize foraging cues and their overall contribution to pollination. Our objective is to pinpoint essential farming approaches that enhance pollinator-friendly practices and to develop a step-by-step guide for farmers looking to transition towards organic farming methods.