What is a “species” for mycologists?
Prologue The latest Asian Mycological Congress (AMC2021) was hosted by National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC)...
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NOPPOL KOBMOO
Cryptic Diversity and Adaptative Evolution of Entomopathogenic Fungi
My research goal is to understand the mechanisms underlying the diversification of entomopathogenic fungi.
BIO
Graduated from University of Montpellier (France) in the field of evolutionary biology (PhD obtained in 2010), I have developed a passion for understanding how organisms evolve to become as they are to our eyes.
Without a particular background in Mycology, I was recruited in 2010 at the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) in my home country, Thailand, in a team of experienced and competent fungal taxonomists. Since then, I have been trying to integrate the research of fungal taxonomy in Thailand into a comprehensive framework of evolutionary biology through a multi-disciplinary approach (classical taxonomy, evolutionary genomics and ecology).
To my view, studying biodiversity should not be only the matter of naming new "species" or re-arranging systematics classification, but also of understanding the underlying mechanisms that make the organisms as they are.
Beside my life as a scientist, I have a big passion for tennis and I'm interested in music and films. I'm also involved in political activities/activism to promote equality and democracy in Thai society.
MY RESEARCH
From diversity to application in agriculture
FUNGAL TAXONOMY AND SYSTEMATICS
Working in a team of fungal taxonomists, I have been involved in the discovery of novel diversity of entomopathogenic fungi mainly from Thailand. This work has been "old school", using classical studies of morphology and molecular phylogenetics. I'm looking forward to developping new markers based on the mining of genomics data.
DELIMITATION OF SPECIES FRONTIERS
I'm particularly interested in "species complexes" where species delimitation is blurred. My aim is to confront usual practices in fungal taxonomy with new data gained from advanced sequencing technology and genomics analyses.
EVOLUTION OF VIRULENCE AND HOST SPECIFICITY
Some taxonomic groups of entomopathogenic fungi are highly specialised such as ant-specific Ophiocordyceps. Other have very broad host range with differential virulence toward different insects. The evolution of host-specificity and differential virulence is mostly elusive. My aim is to develop an integrative approach combining diversity study, comparative/functional genomics and experimental assays to understand the ultimate and proximal mechanisms to the evolution of the traits associated to host specificity and virulence.
MEDIA FORMULATION FOR FASTIDIOUS ENTOMOPATHOGENIC FUNGI
Many entomopathogenic fungi are very fastidious, limiting the potential of their use in research and application. A part of my research activity focuses on developing novel formulation and preservation methods in order to improve their potential.
CONTACT ME
National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC)
113 Thailand Science Park,
Khlong Neung, Khlong Luang
Pathum Thani 12120
THAILAND
+66 (0)2 564-6700 ext. 3236
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