University of Alberta microfungus collection and herbarium (UAMH)

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The roles of microbial culture collections are to collect, conserve, and characterize microorganisms and to distribute isolates and information about them to foster research and training. For any type of research involving living microorganisms it is essential that representatives be deposited in collections to ensure scientific reproducibility and rigor. Systematic study depends upon having access to type material as well as to material representing the genetic diversity of a species. The University of Alberta Microfungus Collection and Herbarium (UAMH) is a specialized, general service culture collection of filamentous fungi that is part of a Canadian network involved in the conservation and supply of microorganisms. We provide support to a wide range of research programs nationally and internationally by: 1) conserving fungus isolates of scientific, heritage and industrial value using techniques that assure their long-term care; 2) providing a confidential safe-deposit service for valuable industrial isolates; 3) supplying high quality fungal cultures in an efficient and timely manner; 4) providing advice on organisms appropriate for specific applications through personal consultation and through access to a well developed database containing historical, ecological, geographical, epidemiological, genetic and other data collated over 70 years; 5) enhancing the database by integrating new data (e.g. sequence data, digital images) derived from in-house and external research; 6) collecting and cataloguing fungal diversity on a regional and national basis; 7) providing services to users in the form of identifications, sequence analyses and consultation; 8) educating through academic and professional training, 9) ensuring quality management through compliance with biosecurity, transport and other regulations. Central to this mandate is a research program in fungal systematics that contributes to the development of significant collections, identifies uncharacterized isolates, and attracts users to the UAMH through publications. The UAMH is housed at the Devonian Botanic Garden, a facility unique within the University for its living plant and fungal collections available for scientific research, public education and display.