Thomas Jung, an expert in the diversity, ecology, and evolution of Phytophthora tree pathogens from the Department of Forest Conservation and Wildlife Management at FFWT MENDELU, has accepted an invitation from Biodiversa+ partners to join the newly established pan-European knowledge hub for nature restoration, BiodivRestore.
Thomas Jung is one of 52 experts representing diverse scientific fields who form the core of this new pan-European knowledge hub for nature restoration—BiodivRestore. The inaugural conference took place in Paris this May.
The primary goal of the hub is to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, research, and technological expertise related to nature restoration within the European Union (EU). This will provide EU countries with easier access to the information needed to create and implement national nature restoration plans in line with the European biodiversity strategy for 2030.
The knowledge hub consists of two working groups: The Research and Innovation Working Group and the Implementation Working Group, of which Thomas Jung is a member. “Being part of the Implementation Group does not preclude my collaboration with the Research and Innovation Group. I can offer my forestry, forest cultivation, nursery management, and water ecosystem expertise to my colleagues,” explained Thomas Jung about his role in the new European centre.
Among the more than fifty-member scientific community of the pan-European knowledge hub, Thomas Jung is the only expert on plant pathogens. “Given the widespread infestation of European forest nurseries by over a hundred invasive Phytophthora pathogens and other pathogens, forest restoration through nursery seedlings contributes to the spread of these aggressive plant pathogens across Europe. I informed the participants in Paris about this serious threat, of which they were largely unaware, and this issue is now also one of the key topics the hub will address,” Jung described one of the centre’s major challenges. During the Paris meeting, discussions were held within each group, generating many ideas for further work. Both working groups will continue to stay in touch through online meetings held approximately once a month, during which work plans will continue to be developed.
Photo: The image shows the death and decay of a natural alder swamp forest (Alnus glutinosa) in Germany due to root and collar rot caused by the invasive pathogen Phytophthora xalni. The pathogen spread into this forest from a nearby alder restoration planting where infected seedlings from forest nurseries were used.
Contact for further information: Dr. Thomas Jung, Department of Forest Conservation and Wildlife Management, FFWT MENDELU, +420 545 136 172, thomas.jung@mendelu.cz