coNtrolling interactiOns betWeen fungus-insect muTualists (NOWT)

Mutualistic relationships between fungi and insects can be hugely successful, dominating terrestrial ecosystems, becoming major pests of human agriculture and some of the most invasive organisms on earth. As such, it is hugely important to find novel forms of control for these organisms. A hitherto unconsidered target for control are the interactions between the mutualistic partners. This project uses the leafcutter ant mutualism to establish target chemical interactions between the fungi and ants. The identification of compounds mediating these interactions will present a starting point for the production of novel pesticides for the control of these organisms.