Gerhard Rambold: Projects
- Influence of microbial diversity and biofilm formation on degradation mechanisms of microplastic particles in the environment (Collaborative Research Centre 1357 Microplastics: C04)
In the first funding phase of CRC 1357 “Microplastics”, subproject C04 explored the largely untapped potential of microorganisms in breaking down microplastics. Using cutting-edge methods, researchers identified new degraders, analyzed their enzymes, and tracked MP breakdown in environmental samples. These findings laid important groundwork for sustainable microplastic solutions. [Details]
Completed Projects
- Höhen - und Bewirtschaftungsgradient in einem deutschen Mittelgebirge zur Abschätzung von Veränderungen in Waldökosystemen im Klimawandel (FKZ 28W-C-4-122-03)
M. Blaschke, A. Siemonsmeier, J. Harjes, D. O. Okach, and G. Rambold showed that DNA metabarcoding detects far more fungal species than traditional fruit body surveys – especially hidden or underground taxa. Fungal diversity decreased with altitude based on genetic data. [Details] - GBOL: German Barcode of Life – From Science to Application (GBOL-2) – Project 12: Design und Implementation of Fungal-specific Microarrays ('EcoChips') for Diagnostics (BMBF 01LI1501M)
Janno Harjes, Gerhard Rambold [Details] - Genotypic diversity, plant selectivity and community composition of sooty mould symptom forming fungi in a Mata Atlântica relict rainforest (DFG RA 731/15-1)
The collaboration between Fabienne Flessa and Gerhard Rambold has provided valuable insights into the study of epiphytic fungal communities across various ecosystems, with a particular focus on the Brazilian Mata Atlântica. In a comparative study involving samples from the Atlantic Rainforest and Central Europe, they analyzed the composition and diversity of sooty mould communities. The samples from the Mata Atlântica showed significantly higher species richness and included numerous previously undescribed taxa. The study also revealed region-specific fungal assemblages, emphasizing the importance of local environmental conditions in shaping epiphytic microhabitats. This research was complemented by earlier studies focusing on Central European sites. For example, Flessa and Rambold investigated fungal communities on Rhododendron ferrugineum in alpine regions, identifying a dominance of Capnocheirides rhododendri. The results highlighted a high degree of host specificity among phyllosphere fungi. In another study, they examined how the annual leaf fall of deciduous trees in Central Europe influences the development of pigmented epiphytic fungi. Their findings indicated that the limited lifespan of leaves constrains the formation of stable fungal communities, affecting overall diversity. Taken together, these studies provide a comprehensive picture of how climatic, geographic, and host-specific factors shape the structure of epiphytic fungal communities — with the Mata Atlântica emerging as a hotspot of exceptional mycological diversity. [Details] - Towards an integrative and comprehensive standard for meta-omics data of collection objects (MOD-CO) (DFG RA 731/16-1)
The MOD-CO schema, developed by Gerhard Rambold and collaborators, offers a structured model for linking meta-omics data to reference specimens in biodiversity collections. Implemented in platforms like Diversity Workbench and SILVA/megx.net, it improves data traceability and interoperability. Complementary workflows and FAIR-compliant documentation further support reproducible and standardized biodiversity research. [Details] - Evolution of phenotypic traits in the lichen family Umbilicariaceae (lichenized Ascomycota): evaluating new markers for obtaining a better resolved phylogenetic topology (DFG RA 731/13-1)
E. A. Davydov, D. Peršoh, and G. Rambold redefined the taxonomy of Umbilicariaceae through molecular and morphological studies. They proposed a new generic framework, recombined Lasallia caroliniana. [Details] - Diversity of acarophilous fungi in soils (UniBAY A 4515 – I/3)
S. Werner, D. Peršoh and G. Rambold studied fungal communities in soil microhabitats and identified distinct fungal assemblages in mites (acarosphere). The mite species Leptogamasus obesus showed a notable association with the fungus Basidiobolus haptosporus. They also characterized the cold-tolerant fungus Mortierella alliacea. [Details] - I-B-F: Aufbau eines Informationsnetzes für biologische Forschungsdaten von der Erhebung im Feld bis zur nachhaltigen Sicherung in einem Primärdatenrepositorium (DFG RA 731/11-2)
The IBFgallscoll dataset documents gall-inducing insects on Salix and other plants. Curated by A. Guhr and G. Rambold as part of the IBF Project, it is accessible via the SNSB IT Center and GBIF.
[Details] - Diversity of epifoliar pigmented fungi on Rhododendron (Z_Myk_2010-05)
Flessa and Rambold showed that sooty mold fungi on Rhododendron ferrugineum differ between young and old leaves, likely due to glandular secretions. Their study highlights the role of plant physiology in shaping surface fungal communities. [Details] - Fagus leaves-inhabiting fungi and their impact on leaf decomposition (Z_Myk_2010-08)
Peršoh, Segert, and Rambold showed that endophytic fungi from living Fagus sylvatica leaves continue to function during litter decomposition, linking leaf and soil fungal communities. [Details] - Endophytic fungi in Calluna ([previous] DFG GRK 678/2, project D3)
Andrea Pietrowski, Gerhard Rambold [Details] - Effect of forest management intensity on the interplay of bottom-up and top-down effects in a three-trophic-level interaction: galling insects on European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and their parasitoids in the biodiversity exploratory Hainich/Dün (Z_Myk_2010-04)
Alexandra Kehl, Gerhard Rambold [Details] - Exploring the Interplay Between Willows, Gall-Inducing Insects, and Associated Fungi (Z_Myk_2010-07)
A. Kehl, G. Rambold and coworkers studied how plant traits, floral scent, and insect activity influence gall formation and sooty mould occurrence on Salix. Their findings highlight key biotic factors shaping these interactions, including Pontania proxima. [Details] - Setting up an information network for biological research data from gathering in the field up to their sustainable storage in a primary data repository (DFG INST 2850/1-1)
Alexandra Kehl, Gerhard Rambold [Details] - Scientific cooperation with Brazil in the context of the agreement with CNPq call no. 71 (DFG 444 BRA-113/58/0-1)
Marcela E. S. Cáceres, Robert Lücking, and Gerhard Rambold studied corticolous lichen communities across northeastern Brazil. They found that habitat type, host tree, and microclimate strongly shape species diversity and structure—highlighting regional patterns and the need for adapted sampling in tropical ecosystems. [Details] - BIOTA S-B2: Establishment of a long-term monitoring system for analysing diversity shifts of soil-inhabiting lichens in Southern Africa, based on the ecologically indicative values of lichen morphological groups (BMBF/DLR 01LC0024 BIOTA S-B2)
Within BIOTA S-B2, researchers documented shifts in soil lichen diversity across climate gradients in southern Africa. Crustose forms dominated arid zones, while Psora and other groups increased in humid regions. These results support the use of lichens as long-term bioindicators of environmental change. [Details] - Assessing fungal diversity in soil, using the microarray chip technology (DFG RA 731/9-1)
In their study, Derek Peršoh, Alfons R. Weig, and Gerhard Rambold introduced the EcoChip, a microarray designed to analyze fungal communities. The EcoChip utilizes dual probes to detect functional enzyme transcripts and phylogenetic barcoding, providing insights into the transcriptionally active components of fungal communities and their role in environmental processes. [Details] - IT expert group (GBIF Germany) (BMBF GBIF-D Biodiversity Informatics)
The IT working group, as part of GBIF-Germany’s coordination structure, gathered technical information on existing software developments and facilitated knowledge exchange among biodiversity informatics developers. Gerhard Rambold’s efforts advanced data integration and sharing tools, while A. Kehl contributed through workshops that improved collaboration and infrastructure understanding. Together, their work supported global biodiversity research and strengthened community cooperation. [Details] - Diversity, habitat preferences and ecological adaptations of tropical corticolous lichens in North-East Brazil ([DAAD])
Marcela E. S. Cáceres, Robert Lücking, and Gerhard Rambold have explored the diversity of lichen species in northeastern Brazil. Their work suggests that host tree type, habitat, and microclimate are key factors shaping bark-dwelling lichen communities. They found that deterministic factors like the identity of the host have a larger influence on community structure than random factors. [Details] - BIOTA S04: Monitoring of lichen diversity in Southern Africa and the establishement of a management and analysis systems for georeferenced lichenological data (BMBF 01LC0024A)
Luciana Zedda and Gerhard Rambold investigated soil lichen diversity in southern Africa, identifying key ecological factors influencing their distribution. Their work underscored the role of lichens as sensitive bioindicators for monitoring environmental changes. [Details] - Accessory fungi in lichenized systems (Z_Myk_2005-01)
Derek Peršoh and Gerhard Rambold studied cryptic lichenicolous fungi in the Letharietum vulpinae community, focusing on fungi inhabiting Letharia vulpina and related species in Europe and North America. Their research revealed diverse fungal species, with molecular analysis highlighting the role of cryptic fungi and their distribution patterns. Additionally, the study of Usnea samples revealed hidden fungal diversity, emphasizing the need for molecular tools in ecological research. [Details] - Aufbau und Optimierung der knotenspezifischen Informatik-Infrastruktur (Diversity Workbench-Komponenten und kompatible Module) (BMBF 01LIO205)
Gerhard Rambold [Details] - Wirtsselektivität gallinduzierender Pflanzenwespen (Hymenoptera, Tenthredinidae) an Weiden (Salix spp.): die Bedeutung von Phänotyp und Genotyp im Salix alba/S. fragilis-Komplex für die Belegung mit Gallen (DFG DFG GRK 678/1 Projekt 11)
A. Kehl and G. Rambold examined how host plant traits influence Pontania proxima gall formation and showed that floral scent may guide sawfly oviposition. They also demonstrated that Salix × rubens, a hybrid willow, has unique traits and earlier foliation, contributing to its growth and distribution. [Details] - Ausbau des globalen Informationssystems LIAS durch Implementierung einer neuen Datenbankkomponente Diversity CharacterDocumentation sowie zweier neuer Internet-Komponenten (BMBF 01LIO202)
Gerhard Rambold [Details] - Global Diversity of Lichens (DFG RA 731/5-1; FE 579/1)
Gerhard Rambold [Details] - BIOTA S04/S05: Biological crusts – Informatics (BMBF/DLR UF-UFLCO1263600 – 01LC0024)
The BIOTA S04/S05 project, part of BIOTA AFRICA, focused on studying biological soil crusts in arid southern Africa. Researchers developed tools for managing georeferenced lichen data and gained new insights into biodiversity patterns. [Details] - Zusammensetzung und Aufbau von Mehrbiotensystemen bei lichenisierten Ascomyceten (DFG RA 731/3-1)
Gerhard Rambold and Derek Peršoh studied fungi associated with lichens, particularly in the Letharietum vulpinae community. They identified diverse fungal taxa within Letharia vulpina and demonstrated seasonal fluctuations in lichen- and bark-associated fungal communities. [Details]
Projects from other divisions
- Information and Data Management (TERRECO Cluster S-04)
Gerhard Rambold [Details] - Weiterentwicklung verschiedener Biodiversitäts-Internetportale in Kooperation mit dem IT-Zentrum der Staatlichen Naturwissenschaftlichen Sammlungen Bayerns (SNSB) (Z_Myk_2000-02)
Gerhard Rambold [Details] - Mycology in Africa (Z_Myc)
With the EthnoMycAfrica database, we document traditional knowledge about fungi and lichens in Africa. In parallel, we study the ecological roles of African mistletoes as keystone species. Both projects combine biodiversity research with knowledge preservation. [Details] - Participation in the continous further datenbase modelling und rich client implementation of the Diversity Workbench framework components ([prev.] BMBF 01LIO205)
The Diversity Workbench is an evolving project creating interoperable models and applications through standardized interfaces, aiming for better reuse and cross-border collaboration. [Details] - Establishment of the LIAS light identification system for lichens (Z_Myk_2005-01)
LIAS light provides comprehensive lichen trait data; LIAS gtm integrates this content with external datasets to offer advanced visualizations, while DiversityNaviKey delivers user-friendly access to these integrated resources. [Details]
Completed Projects
- Fortentwicklung der beiden Java-basierten Datanbank-Clients NaviKey und Diversity Navigator in Kooperation mit dem IT-Zentrum der Staatlichen Naturwissenschaftlichen Sammlungen Bayerns (SNSB) (Z_AMyk_2001-01)
Dieter Neubacher, Gerhard Rambold [Details] - Extremophilic fungi (Z_Myc)
Fungi from highly saline environments like the Dead Sea exhibit unique genetic and morphological adaptations. Studies on Eurotium rubrum and the newly described Phialosimplex salinarum reveal survival strategies that expand our understanding of life under extreme conditions. [Details] - Molekulare Untersuchungen an Populationen von Pontania proxima und deren Parasitoiden (Z_Myk_2008-01)
Stephanie Lippert, Alexandra Kehl, Gerhard Rambold [Details] - WAP-Cluster Biologie (INST 91/199-1 LAGG)
Alfons Weig, Gerhard Rambold [Details] - Beitrag zur Kenntnis endophytischer Pilze in Viscum album (Z_Myk_2006-01)
Derek Peršoh, Martina Melcher, and Gerhard Rambold studied fungal endophytes in Viscum album ssp. austriacum and its host Pinus sylvestris. They found that organ and tissue types shape fungal communities more than host identity, with overlapping species in both wood tissues.
[Details] - Studien zur Vergesellschaftung epifoliarer pigmentierter Pilze mit Schwerpunkt in Oberfranken (Z_Myk_2006-02)
The study by Flessa and Rambold compared the communities of dark pigmented epifoliar fungi on deciduous trees around Bayreuth with those on evergreen plants. The results showed no host preference among the fungal taxa, but the community composition differed significantly between annual and perennial leaves, suggesting that the fungal community on deciduous leaves represents an early stage of the same community on evergreen plants. [Details] - Wurzel-assoziierte Pilze an Calluna vulgaris (Z_Myk_2005-01)
Katja Herzog, Andrea Pietrowski, Gerhard Rambold [Details] - Substrate specificity of members of the genus Xylaria (Ascomycota) (Z_Myk_2005-02)
Xylaria hypoxylon, the type species of Xylaria, was originally described by Linnaeus and is considered cosmopolitan. However, inconsistent rDNA sequences and morphoanatomical differences indicated a species complex. European populations of X. hypoxylon showed consistent rDNA data, while North American samples matched them. Some non-European strains, however, were identified as X. longiana. [Details] - WAP-Cluster Biologie (HBFG-051-260 W)
Gerhard Rambold [Details] - DNA-Microarray (HBFG-051-235)
Alfons Weig, Gerhard Rambold [Details]