Within the BIOGER unit, R-Syst activities include:
Molecular identification of microscopic fungi and more particularly phytopathogenic fungi
Fungi differ from other eukaryotes in that they lack sufficient morphological characteristics to distinguish between different species. This situation is illustrated by the existence of fungal cryptic species that have only been identified using molecular tools and by the misclassification of species on the basis of morphological criteria of asexual forms. We are working on the use of molecular markers (bar coding and taxonomically reliable genes) to classify the fungal species studied, and identify new species. Our studies focus on plant pathogenic fungi of some crops species. In particular, these studies aim to facilitate taxonomic inventory experiments using metagenomic tools.

Thanks to these studies, we are implementing the R-syst::fungi database.

Diagnostic
Although this activity is decreasing, we are interested in diagnosis. By using taxonomically reliable gene knowledge, we are developing classical diagnostic tools (PCR, real-time PCR) specific to species, as part of research projects (ANR Don&Co, CTPS SeptoDUR, CASDAR tritisafe) in order to improve the qualitative and quantitative detection of phytopathogenic fungi of recurrent and known diseases. We also used the metabarcoding technique to detect simultaneously and without a priori different species of Fusarium genus. The detection of emerging or invasive diseases could also be considered via this type of tool.
We were also interested in the diagnosis in a more general sense with the project "Lycovitis" financed by INRA metaprogram SMACH . Lycovitis is a computer-based knowledge aggregation tool. It is based on a molecular database and a didactic web interface dedicated to the recognition of diseases through images.

Collections of filamentous fungi
The collections, which are supplied by specialists, can group strains collected over a period of time that can cover decades. The strains and the information describing them constitute an important basis for research that reflects biodiversity at a given time. The sampling, isolation, purification, identification, storage and study of the characteristics of each strain can be the result of several research projects. Once the collection has been built up, it then requires rigorous maintenance and management, even if it is not referenced according to quality standards, such as the CIRM (Centre de International de Ressources Microbiennes). We will focus on these various aspects: collection, management and conservation.