ENRTF ID: 037-A 

Project Title: Foundational Research on Fungi and Protecting Minnesota Trees 

Category: A. Foundational Natural Resource Data and Information

Summary: Collecting the medicinal fungus "Chaga" in Minnesota results in damage to trees and is being over harvested. This project develops new methods for sustainable production/harvest and characterizes its medicinal properties. 

Total Project Budget: $ 362,196 
Proposed Project Time Period for the Funding Requested: June 30, 2023 (3 yrs) 

Name: Robert Blanchette 
Sponsoring Organization: U of MN Job Title: Professor 
Department: Department of Plant Pathology 
Address: 1991 Upper Buford Circle, 495 Borlaug Hall 
St. Paul MN 55108 
Telephone Number: (612) 625-0202 
Email robertb@umn.edu 
Web Address: http://forestpathology.cfans.umn.edu/ 

Location: Statewide 

Alternate Text for Visual: The medicinal fungus grows on birch trees found throughout Minnesota. Trees with Chaga and several bioactive compounds are shown. Goal: develop sustainable cultivated Chaga with high medicinal properties.