FUN2TRAP will investigate molecular analysis of insect trap collection fluids as a complementary monitoring tool for (quarantine) fungal pathogens in forest ecosystems.
Over the course of four work packages, we will conduct further method optimization, validation and dissemination activities. First, we will examine the role of trap collection fluid composition, storage conditions and DNA extraction method on the recoverability of high-quality fungal DNA from insect traps, both in laboratory conditions and in real-world collection fluid samples ‘contaminated’ by insects, plant debris and rainwater. Next, we will investigate the influence of insect trap design on the number and composition of fungal spores captured, both in controlled conditions and outdoors, and compare captures in the insect traps with those from active and passive fungal spore traps. The optimized surveilling method developed through these activities will be evaluated through a monitoring campaign in Walloon forests (coniferous and deciduous).
Finally, detailed protocols and cost estimates will be made to facilitate method uptake by NPPOs, and project results will be disseminated widely through conferences, scientific publications and interaction with project partners.
The specific questions addressed in this project are:
· Do weather conditions (simulated rainfall), frequency of fluid sampling (between one and four weeks), collection fluid additives and choice of DNA extraction kit affect the ability to recover high-quality fungal DNA from the collection fluid?
- Do commonly used insect traps differ significantly in the number and nature of fungal spores captured?
- Does the presence of insect and plant particulate contamination affect sensitivity and specificity (matrix effects)?
- Does the local fungal spore community inferred from insect traps correspond to that inferred from more commonly used spore traps placed in the same location?
- Can statistical associations be established between insect and fungal species present in traps, in order to discover novel insect-fungal interactions and to help target future monitoring efforts?
Funding
This project, funded by the Federal Public Service (FPS) Public Health (RI 24/A463), is coordinated by ILVO with CRA-W as a research partner.
Project duration: 1 November 2025 - 31 October 2027 (27 months)
