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

Aim of the project

Digitization of downy mildew fungi in the Fungarium^Z+ZT.
Digitization of the labels of approx. 60% of the total of 6,500 specimens.
Deep digitization of approx. 50% of the type specimens.
Publication of the images and essen-tial 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 UniZ and ETHZ. 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 digitized and the associated data recorded in the natural science object database NAHIMA. The digitization 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 digitization of the downy mildew fungi will complete the digitization of the large groups of plant-parasitic fungi. As a result, we will be able to make data and digitized 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

July 1 - December 31, 2024 (six months)