{"id":251562,"date":"2026-06-17T02:37:46","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T00:37:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tropica-verde.de\/interview-mushrooms-prof-mardones\/"},"modified":"2026-06-17T03:00:37","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T01:00:37","slug":"interview-mushrooms-prof-mardones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tropica-verde.de\/en\/interview-mushrooms-prof-mardones\/","title":{"rendered":"Costa Rica’s rainforest is home to a hidden kingdom"},"content":{"rendered":"[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”2728.1px” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Fungi that manipulate insects, influence plants, and connect entire ecosystems\u2014the world of fungi is one of the most fascinating and, at the same time, least-studied areas of biodiversity. Tropica Verde spoke with biologist and mycologist Prof. Dr. Melissa Mardones Hidalgo about a new German-Costa Rican research project, international collaboration, and the importance of fungi for the protection of biodiversity. <\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/tropica-verde.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Cubamyces-Trametes-menziesii-La-Gamba-Costa-Rica-Aug-2023-5-scaled.jpg” alt=”Coffee Costa Rica” title_text=”Cubamyces (Trametes) menziesii La Gamba Costa Rica Aug 2023 (5)” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”|auto|-43px|auto||” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” inline_fonts=”Arial” global_colors_info=”{}”]

A Conversation with Prof. Dr. Melissa Mardones Hidalgo<\/h2>\n

Melissa Mardones Hidalgo is a biologist, a professor at the University of Costa Rica (UCR), and a researcher at the Center for Biodiversity and Tropical Ecology Research (CIBET). There, she curates the fungal collection at the university\u2019s herbarium and has been studying Costa Rica\u2019s fungal diversity for many years. <\/span> <\/span> <\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” min_height=”363.4px” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

 <\/p>\n

Melissa, could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us what role you play in the project?<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

My name is Melissa Mardones Hidalgo. I am a professor in the School of Biology at the University of Costa Rica and a researcher at CIBET, the Center for Biodiversity and Tropical Ecology Research. There, I oversee the fungal collection in our biological collections. <\/span><\/p>\n

I studied biology and later earned a master\u2019s degree and a Ph.D. with a focus on mycology, or the study of fungi. In my current project, I am working closely with Prof. Dr. Meike Piepenbring, who served as my advisor during my Ph.D. Since I graduated eight years ago, we have maintained close scientific collaboration. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Research Brings Germany and Costa Rica Together<\/h2>\n

What exactly is this project about?<\/b><\/p>\n

The project\u2019s primary goal is to strengthen cooperation between Germany and Costa Rica in the field of biodiversity research. The call for proposals through which the project is funded was specifically designed to establish international research networks. <\/span><\/p>\n

To this end, a network called <\/span>GeCoBio \u2013 Germany-Costa Rica-Biodiversity<\/b>, which aims to bring together researchers from both countries. The idea is to facilitate new collaborations, develop joint research projects, and secure additional funding for biodiversity research in the long term. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe want to create a platform where researchers from Germany and Costa Rica can get to know one another, exchange ideas, and develop new projects together,\u201d explains Prof. Dr. Melissa Mardones Hidalgo.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Three Goals for Expanding Our Knowledge of Fungi<\/h2>\n

In addition to establishing the research network, the project has two other key objectives.<\/span><\/p>\n

First, doctoral students from Goethe University Frankfurt and the University of Costa Rica will conduct joint research. Three doctoral candidates have already been selected for this program and will conduct part of their fieldwork in Costa Rica in the future. <\/span><\/p>\n

Second, the existing collection of fungal cultures is to be expanded and strengthened. Such scientific collections are of great importance, as they enable researchers to document and compare fungi over the long term and to identify new species. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/tropica-verde.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Xylaria-sp.-auf-Blatt-La-Torre-Trail-La-Gamba-Costa-Rica-Aug-2023-45-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Xylaria sp. On Paper | La Torre Trail, La Gamba, Costa Rica, in August 2023″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/tropica-verde.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Stilbum-sp.-MP-5689-Finca-Amable-La-Gamba-Costa-Rica-Sept-2024-37-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Stilbum sp. MP 5689 Finca Amable La Gamba Costa Rica Sept 2024 (37) ” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Research in the Heart of the Rainforest<\/h2>\n

Where does the research take place? In the lab or out in nature? <\/b><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cBoth,\u201d says Prof. Dr. Melissa Mardones Hidalgo.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

A significant portion of the work will take place in protected areas and various agricultural landscapes throughout Costa Rica. There, the researchers will collect fungal samples and study their role in different ecosystems. <\/span><\/p>\n

It has not yet been determined exactly which regions will be studied. For now, the doctoral students are developing their research topics. Only then are the appropriate study areas selected.<\/span><\/p>\n

One thing is certain, however: The young researchers will spend an extended period of time in Costa Rica, where they will conduct intensive fieldwork. Afterward, the data they collect will be analyzed at both the University of Costa Rica and Goethe University Frankfurt. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

A Network for Biodiversity Research<\/h2>\n

The project is currently still in the development phase. Nevertheless, there is already considerable interest on both sides of the Atlantic. <\/span>Annual workshops are planned, which will initially take place in Costa Rica. In addition to academic exchanges, joint field trips are also scheduled to take place. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cDirect contact with Costa Rica\u2019s ecosystems can be incredibly inspiring,\u201d explains Prof. Dr. Melissa Mardones Hidalgo. \u201cThat\u2019s why we want not only to bring researchers together, but also to give them the opportunity to experience biodiversity firsthand.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The network is not limited to researchers from the University of Costa Rica and Goethe University. Researchers from other universities and research institutions in Germany and Costa Rica are also welcome to participate. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/tropica-verde.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Marasmius-sp.-La-Gamba-Costa-Rica-Aug-2023-101-scaled.jpg” alt=”Coffee plant donations” title_text=”Marasmius sp. | La Gamba, Costa Rica, Aug. 2023 ” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

<\/blockquote>\n

Why Mushrooms Are So Important<\/b><\/h2>\n
<\/blockquote>\n

Fungi are among the most species-rich and, at the same time, least studied groups of organisms on Earth. They break down dead biomass, provide plants with nutrients, influence entire food webs, and can even alter the behavior of insects. <\/span><\/p>\n

Despite their enormous importance to the functioning of ecosystems, they are often not the focus of conservation efforts.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is exactly where the new research project comes in: It aims to help us better understand the diversity of Costa Rica\u2019s fungi while also promoting international cooperation for the protection of biodiversity.<\/span><\/p>\n

After all, anyone who wants to protect nature must also be familiar with its most hidden players.<\/span><\/p>\n

The interview was conducted and edited by Theresa Bertl, a volunteer at Tropica Verde e.V. \u2014 the text has been edited for clarity and abridged.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/blockquote>\n

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About the Project<\/b><\/h3>\n

The German-Costa Rican research project is being carried out jointly by researchers from the University of Costa Rica and Goethe University Frankfurt. The project focuses on studying fungal diversity, establishing long-term scientific collaborations, and supporting early-career researchers in both countries. <\/span><\/p>\n

Tropica Verde is involved in the project and supports dialogue between the scientific community, conservationists, and the public.<\/b><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”06.07.2026 | SAVE THE DATE” url=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=GtWIwq6KlX0″ use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#006B46″ icon_placement=”left” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″ header_text_color=”#006B46″ header_font_size=”32px” body_font_size=”18px” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]

\u201eVon wilden Parasiten und Insektenfreunden \u2013 pilzliche Biodiversit\u00e4t in Costa Rica\u201c<\/h3>\n

Vortrag von Prof. Dr. Meike Piepenbring (Goethe-Universit\u00e4t Frankfurt) in Kooperation mit Tropica Verde e.V. und dem GeCoBio-Netzwerk.<\/p>\n

📅 Montag, 6. Juli 2026
<\/span>🕖 19:00 Uhr
<\/span>📍 Palmensaal, Palmengarten Frankfurt
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Fungi that manipulate insects, influence plants, and connect entire ecosystems\u2014the world of fungi is one of the most fascinating and, at the same time, least-studied areas of biodiversity. Tropica Verde spoke with biologist and mycologist Prof. Dr. Melissa Mardones Hidalgo about a new German-Costa Rican research project, international collaboration, and the importance of fungi for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[188,209,246,231],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-251562","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-testimonials","category-educational-work-in-germany","category-knowledge-animals-plants","category-sdg-15-life-on-land"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tropica-verde.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/251562","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tropica-verde.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tropica-verde.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tropica-verde.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tropica-verde.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=251562"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/tropica-verde.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/251562\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":251578,"href":"https:\/\/tropica-verde.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/251562\/revisions\/251578"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tropica-verde.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=251562"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tropica-verde.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=251562"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tropica-verde.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=251562"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}