Plant and Fungus Study Group
Researchers:
#PlantGenetics #FungalGenetics #PlantBiodiversity #FungalBiodiversity #DNABarcoding #Mycoviruses #EndemicSpecies #PlantProtection #Botany #Mycology #eDNA #NGS #Phylogenetics #Genotyping #PlantMicrobiome #FungalMicrobiome #FoodSafety #AgriculturalGenetics #GenomeEditing #SustainableAgriculture #PlantBiotechnology #LocalSeeds #AdaptationGenetics #EcosystemProtection
The Plant and Fungus Working Group conducts comprehensive research on the identification, conservation, and sustainable use of plant and fungal genetic diversity. The group aims to create genetic databases at local, national, and international levels by examining the rich plant and fungal biodiversity found in different ecosystems in Türkiye and around the world, and to develop strategies for the conservation of these resources. To this end, DNA barcoding, genotyping, phylogenetic analyses, and environmental DNA (eDNA)-based approaches are used. In addition to plant species, the identification of mycoflora in ecosystems, and the monitoring and conservation of endemic and rare species are also important parts of the group's work. Research into genetic diversity in agriculturally important plant and fungal species contributes to agricultural productivity and sustainable production systems. Furthermore, molecular-level studies are conducted on topics such as stress tolerance and adaptation mechanisms, laying the groundwork for biotechnological applications. The group actively maintains national and international research collaborations to protect local genetic resources, support ecosystem services, and contribute to global biodiversity data infrastructures.
Areas of work
Genetic Diversity and Population Genetics
To establish a scientific basis for the conservation and sustainable use of plant and fungal species by identifying their genetic variations.
Species Tracking with Environmental DNA (eDNA)
Monitoring plant and fungal communities and assessing ecosystem health using DNA data obtained from soil, air, and water samples.
Species identification, DNA Barcoding and Phylogenetic Analysis
Application of molecular identification techniques for species identification, taxonomic classification, and the elucidation of evolutionary relationships.
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Genome Analysis
Detailed analysis of plant and fungal genomes to elucidate biodiversity, evolution, and genetic functions.
Conservation of Endemic and Rare Species
Identifying local, endemic, and threatened species within Türkiye's rich flora and developing conservation strategies for them.
Plant Stress Physiology and Adaptation Mechanisms
Investigating the molecular and genetic responses of plants and fungi to environmental stressors such as drought, salinity, and disease.
Genetic Characterization of Species of Agricultural Importance
To contribute to breeding and production studies by determining the genetic characteristics of plant and fungal species with high economic value.
Mycovirology and Virocontrol Applications
By elucidating the complete genome sequences of RNA viruses that infect various fungal species, their genetic structures, phylogenetic relationships, and host interactions are analyzed. In particular, mycoviruses that cause infection in plant pathogenic or mycotoxin-producing fungal species are evaluated in terms of their biological control (virocontrol) potential.
Symbiotic fungi and ecosystem services.
The interactions between symbiotic fungal species such as mycorrhizae and plants are being investigated, and their effects on soil health, plant nutrition, and biotic/abiotic stress tolerance are being evaluated.
Applications of Forensic Mycology and Polynology
Analyses of fungal DNA and pollen samples, particularly those obtained from soil, textiles, biological materials, or surfaces, are considered a complementary data source in solving forensic cases.
Database Creation and Digital Archiving
Organizing and recording genetic data in a way that contributes to both local and global data infrastructures.
National and International Research Collaborations
Conducting joint projects with different institutions and countries for the purpose of researching and conserving genetic resources.
Projects
𓇗𓋼 Identification and Molecular Characteristics of Fungal Viruses Infecting Truffle Mushrooms in the Part of Thrace Region Located Within the Borders of Turkey
𓇗𓋼 Investigation of the Biodiversity of Viruses Hosted by Macro- and Lichenized Fungi in Ankara University Beşevler 10th Year Campus
𓇗𓋼 Identification and Molecular Characteristics of RNA Viruses Infecting Certain Ectomycorrhizal Macrofungi Found in Ankara University Beşevler 10th Year Campus
𓇗𓋼 The effect of fire intensity on soil bacterial and fungal communities in a Scots pine forest area in Çanakkale.
𓇗𓋼 Development of a mycovirus-mediated, eco-friendly biomaterial for the removal of Candida auris from hospital wastewater.
𓇗𓋼 Research into the relationship between Candida auris and the environment, animals, and humans in Turkey from a one health perspective.
𓇗𓋼 Identification, Genomic Characterization, and Investigation of Phenotypic Effects of Mycoviruses Infecting the Dermatophyte Agent Trichophyton rubrum in Their Hosts
𓇗𓋼 Let it Bee
Publications
Complete genome characterizations of two novel mitoviruses hosted by the hypogeous, mycorrhizal fungi Statesia pompholyx and Tuber sp.
Akata, I., Ediş, G., Kumru, E., Keskin, E., & Şahin, E. 2025. Turkish Journal of Botany, 49(2), 102-110
Statesia pompholyx: A Newly Reported Species for Turkish Hysterangiales
Akata, I., Ediş, G., Kumru, E., Keskin, E., & Sahin, E. 2025. Kastamonu University Journal of Forestry Faculty, 25(1), 1-8.
Two Newly Reported Agaricales Species from Turkey with Morphological and Molecular Data
Akata, I., Kumru, E., Ediş, G., Acar, İ., & Sahin, E. 2024. Kastamonu University Journal of Forestry Faculty, 24(3), 260-280
Identification and full-length genome characterization of a novel mitovirus hosted by the truffle species Tuber rufum .
Akata, I., Edis, G., Kumru, E., & Sahin, E. 2024. VirusDisease, 35(3), 531-536.
Taxonomic Studies on Rhodocybe asyae Specimens Discovered in a New Location
Akata, I., Ediş, G., Kumru, E., Acar, İ., & Sahin, E. 2024. Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University Journal of Agriculture and Nature, 27(Supplement 1), 124-132.
Initial Report of Inocybe costinitii in Turkey with Morphological and Molecular Data
Akata, I., Ediş, G., Kumru, E., Acar, İ., & Sahin, E. 2024. Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University Journal of Agriculture and Nature, 27(6), 1304-1312.
Complete Genome Analyzes of a Novel Flexivirus with Unique Genome Organization and Three Endornaviruses Hosted by the Mycorrhizal Fungus Terfezia claveryi
Akata, I., Edis, G., Ozbey, BG, Keskin, E., & Sahin, E. 2024. Current Microbiology, 81(7), 1-11.
Molecular characterization of the complete genome of a novel ormycovirus infecting the ectomycorrhizal fungus Hortiboletus rubellus
Sahin, E., Edis, G., Keskin, E., & Akata, I. 2024. Archives of Virology, 169(5), 110.
Three New Records For Turkish Agaricales Inhabiting Ankara University Beşevler 10th Year Campus Area
Akata, I., Kumru, E., Edis, G., Özbey, BG, et al. 2023. Kastamonu University Journal of Forestry Faculty, 23(3), 250-263.
Diverse partitiviruses hosted by the ectomycorrhizal agaric Hebeloma mesophaeum and the natural transmission of a partitivirus between phylogenetically distant, sympatric fungi
Akata, I., Edis, G., Keskin, E., & Sahin, E. 2023. Virology, 581 , 63-70.
Identification and complete genome sequencing of a novel betapartitivirus naturally infecting the mycorrhizal desert truffle Terfezia claveryi .
Sahin, E., Ozbey Saridogan, BG, Keskin, E., & Akata, I. 2023. Virus Genes , 59 (2), 254-259.
Novel and divergent bipartite mycoviruses associated with the ectomycorrhizal fungus Sarcosphaera coronaria .
Sahin, E., Akata, I., & Keskin, E. 2020. Virus Research , 286 , 198071.
Novel and diverse mycoviruses co-inhabiting the hypogeous ectomycorrhizal fungus Picoa juniperi .
Sahin, E., Keskin, E., & Akata, I. 2021. Virology , 552 , 10-19.
Molecular characterization of a novel partitivirus hosted by the false morel mushroom Gyromitra esculenta .
Sahin, E., Keskin, E., & Akata, I. 2021. Archives of Virology , 166 , 1247-1251.
Full-length genome characterization of a new fusagravirus hosted by the spring orange peel fungus Caloscypha fulgens .
Sahin, E., Keskin, E., & Akata, I. 2021. Acta Virol , 65 , 313-319.
Molecular characterization of a new endornavirus inhabiting the ectomycorrhizal fungus Hygrophorus penarioides .
Sahin, E., Akata, I., & Keskin, E. 2021. Brazilian Journal of Microbiology , 52 (3), 1167-1172.
The unique genome organization of two novel fusariviruses hosted by the true morel mushroom Morchella esculenta .
Sahin, E., Keskin, E., & Akata, I. 2021. Virus Research , 302 , 198486.
Molecular characterization of the complete genome of a novel partitivirus hosted by the saprobic mushroom Leucocybe candicans .
Sahin, E., Keskin, E., & Akata, I. 2021. Archives of Microbiology , 203 (9), 5825-5830.
Molecular characterization of a new mitovirus hosted by the ectomycorrhizal fungus Albatrellopsis flettii .
Akata, I., Keskin, E., & Sahin, E. 2021. Archives of Virology , 166 , 3449-3454.