Unravelling the Diversity, Evolution and Host Association of the Fungal Microbiome Associated with Sap-Sucking Insects

Insect-associated fungi are vital components of terrestrial ecosystems, yet their diversity, host associations, and evolutionary history remain largely unknown. This project aims to address these gaps by exploring the relationships between fungal lineages and sap-sucking hemipteran insects in native forests and agricultural systems across South America, Africa, and Asia. The grant will support the recruitment of two postdocs.