Methods:
In order to study metabolic interactions between aspens and aspen brackets, we would need to sample conks of P. tremula, and bark/wood samples of aspens (both infected and healthy ones). The conks are simply collected by hand, the bark/wood is collected by sterilized instruments (chisels, drill bits, etc depending on accessibility of trunks). Bark squares are collected as patches 5X5 cm and wounds would be covered by wax after collection. Each tree will be sampled in disposable gloves to prevent any contamination. We would need approximately 10 conks and bark/wood from their trees, and bark/wood from 10-20 healthy looking trees.
