Digitisation of downy mildew fungi (Peronosporomycetidae) in the Fungarium^Z+ZT

Aim of the project

• Digitisation of the labels of all samples
• Deep digitisation of about 50% of the type samples
• Publication of the images and the essential collection data in the NAHIMA object database

Description of the project

The Fungarium^Z+ZT is the fungus collection of the United Herbaria of the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich. One focus of the collection and expertise is on plant-parasitic fungi, rust, smut and mildew fungi, which cause diseases of cultivated and wild plants.

As part of the proposed project, the "downy mildew fungi" are to be digitised and the associated data recorded in the natural science object database NAHIMA. The digitisation is carried out on two levels: (1) "DigiLabel" (photography of the labels of the specimens; (2) "DigiMikro" (photography of microscopic details of type specimens).

At the end of the project, the central data of approx. 60% of the specimens (approx. 3,900 specimens) were recorded in the NAHIMA database. Their labels were photographed, and the photos integrated into NAHIMA. Furthermore, microphotographs of the identification marks of approx. 50% of the type specimens were taken and the images were also integrated into NAHIMA.

Synergies and context

The digitisation of the downy mildews concludes the digitisation of the large groups of plant-parasitic fungi. As a result, we will be able to make data and digitised specimens of a total of approx. 80,000 specimens available online, including micro-photographs of almost 1000 type specimens. The Fungarium^Z+ZT thus presents itself as an important col-lection and competence center for the above mentioned groups of plant-parasitic fungi.  

Time frame

1 July - 31 December 2024