Tree-associated pathogenic fungi and oomycetes in Azerbaijan

Forest ecosystems are increasingly threatened by invasive pests (i.e. insects and pathogens), which are introduced through global trade, and by native harmful organisms that may emerge due to climate change. Azerbaijan is in a strategic position between Europe and Asia and the local government plans to develop the country into a leading logistics hub in the global supply chains between the two continents. The increased international connection of the country will be beneficial not only for trade activities, but also most likely for the spread of local or Asian pathogens of forest and ornamental trees, which will have increased chances to reach Europe.

In this project, we aim at conducting a monitoring of tree-associated fungi and oomycetes in representative forests of Azerbaijan. Besides these scientific objectives, the planned project aims at significantly increasing know-how and technical skills for molecular analyses of the partner from Azerbaijan.