Tree decline (decreasing health of mature trees leading to
premature death) is a significant forest health issue in Australia.
In Tasmania, decline of Eucalyptus delegatensis , a
species found in high altitude forest in the north-east, has been
linked to changes in fire management. In the absence of fire, a
thick understorey of rainforest species develops and decline of
canopy trees followed by premature death is apparent. Earlier
research has indicated that there are associated changes in the
fungal community when a forest is decline.
This research project aims the identify changes in the fungal
community as forests become increasingly unhealthy and may also
identify aspects of the fungal community that influence and
maintain healthy forests. To do this, fungal species will be
examined from healthy recently burnt forest and long unburnt
unhealthy forest. Changes that take place in the fungal community
following fire will also be monitored.
The outcomes of this project will not only expand our
understanding of fire ecology and forest health but also identify
possible forest health indicators within the fungal community which
will aid in the long term management of healthy forests.
Project Link: B7 Eucalypt decline in the
absence of fire
