“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…
Background of the research: Sri Lanka has a rich biological diversity; thus, its fungal diversity is not adequately studied and documented. Higher plants, vertebrates, and a few other selected groups have been studied extensively, but fungi remain largely unexplored. Recent fungal diversity estimations have predicted that the tropical regions would harbor a large number of novel fungal species. Only around 150,000 fungi out of approximately…
My M.Phil. research focuses on studying the diversity, taxonomy, and potential bioactive properties of lichenicolous fungi in selected montane ecosystems of Sri Lanka. Lichenicolous fungi are specialized organisms that live only on lichens, either as parasites, saprotrophs, or commensals. These fungi are fascinating because they may produce unique chemical compounds that help them survive within the chemically protected lichen thalli, and such compounds could have…
Background: The present study aims to address the following key research gaps and challenges within the broader field of fungal research in Sri Lanka. Inadequate studies in Sri Lanka regarding the freshwater fungi, particularly in relation to their taxonomical and molecular characteristics, Inadequate studies in Sri Lanka regarding the freshwater fungi, particularly in relation to their taxonomical and molecular characteristics, Fewer comparison studies on freshwater…
About research: Research topic: Taxonomy and Phylogeny of Plant Material Associated Freshwater Fungi in Anuradhapura and Ratnapura Districts and Screening Their Extracellular Enzymes Conducted by: Madhara K. Wimalasena, Prof. Nalin N. Wijayawardene, Prof. T.C. Bamunuarachchige, Prof. Dong-Qin Dai, Dr. Heethaka K. S. de Zoysa, Prof. Darbhe J. Bhat and Dr. Turki M. Dawoud Collaborations: Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources, Protection and Utilization & Yunnan…
