Research

The Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology undertakes fundamental and applied research focused on interactions involving plants, pathogenic, symbiotic and saprotrophic fungi and other microorganisms and their role in forest and agricultural systems.

  • Through our research we answer questions about how agriculture and forestry can be conducted in a world with a changing climate.
  • Important research areas are ecology, population biology and microorganisms as well as modelling and controlling plant diseases in the field.
  • We have a broad expertise in both molecular and ecological microbiology.

Forest Pathology

Our research in forest pathology concentrates on pathogenic fungi causing diseases in forests. We study the interactions between the pathogen, the host tree and the environment from molecular to ecosystem level.

Forest microbiology

We focus on the role of soil biota in plant performance and ecosystem functioning and are particularly interested in the role of microbes and other soil fauna in biogeochemical cycles under changing environmental conditions.

Plant disease epidemiology

We study disease development of plant pathogens to develop sustainable plant disease management strategies. We focus main staple food crops grown in Sweden as diseases in these crops are responsible for a large amount of pesticide use in Sweden.

Agricultural plant pathology

We conduct research within plant pathology and plant-microbe interactions with relevance for plant health. This includes pathogenic interactions in agricultural systems, but also beneficial interactions used for biological disease control and plant growth promotion.

Soil microbiology

Microorganisms play a key role in nature’s cycles, controlling how essential nutrients like nitrogen move through ecosystems. By understanding their functions, we can find solutions to environmental challenges such as eutrophication, climate change, and unsustainable agriculture.

Our publications

Find the latest publications from the Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology here.
To the publications