Applications for zoosporic parasites in aquatic systems (ParAqua)
Séréna Rasconi, Hans‐Peter Grossart, Alena S. Gsell, Bastiaan W. Ibelings, Dedmer B. Van de Waal, Ramsy Agha, Ariola Bacu, Maija Balode, Meryem Beklioğlu, Maja Berden Zrimec, Florina Botez, Tom Butler, Slawomir Cerbin, Angela Cortina, Michael Cunliffe, Thijs Frenken, Esther Garcés, Laura Gjyli, Yonatan Golan, Tiago Guerra, Ayis Iacovides, Antonio Idà, Maiko Kagami, Veljo Kisand, Jovica Leshoski, Marco Pini, Natasa Mazalica, Miki Takeshi, Maria Iasmina Moza, Sigrid Neuhauser, Deniz Özkundakci, Kristel Panksep, Suzana Patcheva, Branka Pestorić, Maya Stoyneva‐Gärtner, Diogo Pinto, Juergen Polle, Carmen Postolache, Joaquín Pozo Dengra, Albert Reñé, Pavel Rychtecký, Dirk S. Schmeller, Bettina Scholz, Géza B. Selmeczy, Télesphore Sime‐Ngando, Kálmán Tapolczai, Orhideja Tasevska, Ivana Trbojević, Blagoy Uzunov, Silke Van den Wyngaert, Ellen van Donk, Marieke Vanthoor, Elizabeta Veljanoska Sarafiloska, Susanna A. Wood, Petr Znachor
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 the 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.