BACK to the ROOTS

Research Program concept

Plant roots are colonized by an astounding number of microorganisms that can reach cell densities much greater than the number of plant cells. Several of these root-associated microorganisms can have profound effects on plant growth & development, nutrition, and tolerance to abiotic and biotic stress factors. For the vast majority of root-associated microorganisms, however, there is limited fundamental knowledge of their impact on plant growth and health. Also the commercial application of beneficial microbes in agriculture and horticulture has had limited success so far. To improve plant performance and productivity, plant breeders have exploited genes from ancestors of modern crop species. Similarly, entomologists have explored native habitats to identify natural enemies of insect pests. To date, however, very few efforts have been made to study the biodiversity and functions of beneficial microbial communities associated with the ancestors of modern crop species.

 

 

Aim

The overall goal of this research program is to decipher the structural, functional and metabolic diversity of microorganisms on and in roots of ancestors of modern crop plants and to determine their effects on plant growth, development & health. The outcome of this program will provide fundamental insight into microbial diversity of native habitats and indigenous plant species. We will obtain novel insight into the mechanisms underlying microbiome assembly by plant and environmental cues. The program will lead to the discovery of novel beneficial microorganisms, mechanisms, genes and bioactive compounds that can be used as probiotics for plant growth & health.