Project

Microbiome-mediated plant resilience

Xanthomonas campestris pv. Musacearum  and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense  are the major bacterial and fungal pathogens threatening crops belonging to the banana family globally. Soil and plants are colonised by numerous microbes collectively referred to as the microbiome.

Background

In this project we explore if and how the microbiome contributes to plant resilience against pathogens and how, in turn, pathogens manipulate the microbiome to overcome it. We exploit the variation in the microbiome among plant genotypes and soil types to identify specific disease suppressive functions with emphasis on microbial bioactive metabolites.

Research aims

  • To identify pathogen suppressive soil, their associated microbial community and disease suppressive functions.
  • To identify susceptibility/resistance factors in plant root exudates.
  • To identify endophytes that antagonize pathogens and to investigate their mode of actions.

Used techniques

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular biology techniques
  • Metabolomics
  • Metagenomics