Author(s): Mr Rashika Sajith Brahmanage
Institute: University of Colombo Department of Plant Sciences, University of Colombo, Colombo 03, National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Hantane road, Kandy, Sri lanka
Principal Investigator: Dr. Sameera Ariyawansa
Published: December 23, 2025
Category: Research Projects

Abstract

Eucalyptus species are important in agro-forestry of Sri Lanka and are used for various commercial purposes viz.; paper pulp, sawn timber, wood-based products, and essential oils. However, a comprehensive study of the mycobiota (pathogens, endophytes, saprobes, mycorrhizal) of Sri Lankan Eucalyptus spp.

Full Description

“Eucalyptus species are important in agro-forestry of Sri Lanka and are used for various commercial purposes viz.; paper pulp, sawn timber, wood-based products, and essential oils. However, a comprehensive study of the mycobiota (pathogens, endophytes, saprobes, mycorrhizal) of Sri Lankan Eucalyptus spp. cultivations is yet to be conducted. Hence, it is a timely requirement to carry out a systematic study to identify and record the fungal community structure associated with this exotic plant genus cultivated as a major reforestation species in Sri Lanka. Fungal pathogens of Eucalyptus spp. that are yet to be identified and characterised can play a significant role in Eucalyptus plantations, timber industry (e.g. quarantine species) and other tree crops in future. Some fungal pathogens are reported as species complexes, thus it is essential to resolve these complexes based on DNA based molecular taxonomy and Koch’s postulates. Furthermore, amongst these inhabiting taxa (including endophytic and saprobic), there could be novel taxa to science. Updating the inventory of Eucalyptus associated fungi, including obligate pathogens, symbionts (endophytes and mycorrhizae) and other beneficial fungi (saprobes/biomass decomposers), would be useful in the establishment of a sustainable Eucalyptus-based plantation and agroforestry sector in Sri Lanka. Moreover, the outcomes of this study can be extrapolated to other tree crops in Sri Lanka and the fungal repository resulting from this study can set a platform for application oriented research in future.


Objectives

Main objective

    1. To conduct a comprehensive survey on fungal communities associated with Eucalyptus spp. in Sri Lanka and to prepare an inventory/ checklist of Eucalyptus-associated fungi.

Specific objectives

    1. To isolate and purify Eucalyptus spp. associated fungi (pathogens, saprobes, endophytes, epiphytes and ectomycorrhizal) from selected plantations located in different agro-ecological zones of Sri Lanka.

    2. To carry out morpho-molecular analyses of the isolated fungi for identification purposes.

    3. To estimate and compare diversity, species richness and evolutionary relationships amongst fungi associated with Eucalyptus spp. in Sri Lanka

    4. To identify pathogenic fungi of Eucalyptus spp. / and to perform Koch’s postulates to prove their pathogenicity

    5. To distinguish primary pathogenic fungi from species complexes associated with Eucalyptus spp.

    6. To find instances of host jumping of pathogenic fungi between Eucalyptus spp. and other hosts in the vicinity

    7. To isolate and carry out morpho-molecular identification of post harvest timber pathogenic fungi in Eucalyptus timber

    8. To estimate the overall impact of the fungal communities of Eucalyptus spp. on the growth, development and health of Eucalyptus plantations based on the speculated functional diversity of isolated fungi.