Applications for zoosporic parasites in aquatic systems
Acronym: ParAqua
Competition title: CA20125
Funding: COST
AFZ role: partner
Start date: 2021/11/02
End date: 2025/11/01
Abstract
Zoosporic parasites (i.e. fungi and fungi-like aquatic microorganisms) constitute important drivers of natural populations, causing severe host mortality. Economic impacts of parasitic diseases are notable in microalgae biotech industry, affecting production of food ingredients, biofuels, pharma- and nutraceuticals.. While scientific research on this topic is gaining traction by increasing studies elucidating the functional role of zoosporic parasites in natural ecosystems, we are currently lacking integrated and interdisciplinary efforts for effectively detecting and controlling parasites in the microalgae industry. To fill this gap we propose to establish an innovative, dynamic European network connecting scientists, industries and stakeholders to optimize information exchange, equalize access to resources and to develop a joint research agenda. ParAqua aims at compiling and making available all information on the occurrence of zoosporic parasites and their relationship with hosts, elucidate drivers and evaluate impacts of parasitism in natural and man-made aquatic environments. We aim to implement new tools for monitoring and prevention of infections, and to create protocols and a Decision Support Tool for detecting and controlling parasites in the microalgae biotech production. Applied knowledge on zoosporic parasites can feed back from industry to ecology, and we therefore will explore whether the developed tools can be applied for monitoring lakes and reservoirs. Short-Term Scientific Missions and Training Schools will be organised specifically for early- stage scientists and managers – with a specific focus on ITC – with the aim to share and integrate both scientific and applied expertise and increase exchange between basic and applied researchers and stakeholders.
Leaders
Prof. Ana Gavrilović, PhD
University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture
Associates
Tena Radočaj, PhD
University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture