551-0421-00L  Biology and Ecology of Fungi in Forests

SemesterAutumn Semester 2020
LecturersI. L. Brunner, M. Peter Baltensweiler, D. H. Rigling
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionGerman
CommentNumber of participants limited to 10.
The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.

General safety regulations for all block courses:
-Whenever possible the distance rules have to be respected
-All students have to wear masks throughout the course (keep reserve masks ready)
-The installation and activation of the Swiss Covid-App is highly encouraged
-Any additional rules for individual courses have to be respected
-Students showing any COVID-19 symptoms are not allowed to enter ETH buildings and have to inform the course responsible


AbstractIntroduction of the biological and ecological basics of fungi in forests. Focusing on mycorrhizal, saprobic, and pathogenic fungi and their functional relevance in the forest ecosystems. To get to know current methodological research approaches on the basis of selected examples with practical works in forest and lab as well as excursions and lectures.
ObjectiveKnowledge of the fungi of forest and its ecological significance. Knowing of current methodological research approaches. Self-reliant and deepened activities of selected topics of fungi from forests.
ContentIntroduction of the biological and ecological basics of fungi in forests. Focusing on mycorrhizal, saprobic, and pathogenic fungi and their functional relevance in the forest ecosystems. To get to know current methodological research approaches on the basis of selected examples with practical works in forest and lab as well as excursions and lectures.
Lecture notesUnterlagen zum Kurs werden abgegeben.
LiteratureBreitenbach J, Kränzlin F. 1980-2005. Pilze der Schweiz, Bände 1-6.
Flammer R, Horak E. 2003. Giftpilze-Pilzgifte. Schwabe, Basel.
Flück M. 2006. Pilzführer Schweiz. Haupt, Bern.
Smith S.E, Read D.J. 1997. Mycorrhizal Symbiosis. Academic Press, 2nd ed.
Prerequisites / NoticeDer Blockkurs findet an der Eidg. Forschungsanstalt WSL in Birmensdorf statt. Der Wald vor der Haustüre des Institutes macht diesen Kurs besonders praxisnah.

Erreichbarkeit mit Tram 14 bis Triemli, danach PTT-Bus 220 oder 350 bis Birmensdorf Sternen/WSL, oder mit S9 bis Birmensdorf SBB und mit PTT-Bus eine Station in Richtung Zürich bis Birmensdorf Sternen/WSL.