Standards, methodology and protocols for sampling and identification of grassland fungus species (NECR374)

DNA – based methods offer a significant opportunity to change how we monitor and assess biodiversity. However, for most techniques, there is still much development required before they can be used in routine monitoring.
Natural England has been exploring the further use of these methods for environmental monitoring for several years, delivering a series of reports which focus on the development of DNA-based methods with potential in a particular area.
The ability to use soil samples to identify grassland fungi is an exciting opportunity to add to evidence from traditional fruitbody surveys and not be limited by time of year. This project aimed to write up and publish the standards, methodology and protocols for sampling and identification of grassland fungus species, including discussing issues, limitations and opportunities. Published protocols will result in repeatability and consistency of methodologies, improving the comparability and confidence of results and findings.