Workpackages of Subproject S03b

Workpackage WP03b.1

Biodiversity data assessment

Short description:Our aim is to build up a database ("SAfri-rust") as a tool for identification of rust fungi in the south-western part of Africa. The first step of identification is the knowledge of the host identity as rust fungi are highly host specific. A host-parasite-index will be provided by our database as well as all necessary information on the parasite taxonomy and distribution. An exact determination of the pathogens will be achieved by using morphological characters (see work package 2).

Workpackage WP03b.2

Complete assessment of morphological data and life history

Short description: To know the names of the host plants facilitates the determination of rust fungi. A safe determination, however, cannot be achieved without a detailed study of fungal morphology. The aim is therefore, to assess all available morphological characters of rust fungi and to include them into the "SAfri-rust" database. Additionally, micrographs and close-ups of infected plants will be prepared for important rust species and integrated into the database.

Workpackage WP03b.3

Data analysis and interpretation: Mycogeography, ecological strategies, and the interrelationship between vegetation and rust parasites

Short description: In a third step, we will utilize the data gathered in "SAfri-rust" to find patterns of rust fungus distribution in certain plant formations, to analyse the dependency of the the species richness of rust fungi from different vegetation types, and to look wether species richness, morphological characters or life cycle variants can be correlated with climatic factors. Therefore, we intend to prepare distribution maps of rust fungi and to compare them with maps showing plant formations and climatic regimes, as well as to compare morphological data integrated in "Safri-rust" with climatic and vegetation parameters.