ACCE DTP project: Does belowground microbial diversity help plants cope with climate change by improving above-ground drought tolerance in plants?

Microbes perform several key functions in soils but can also cause release of many potent greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change (GCC). Hence, there is much current interest in the understanding the soil microbiome. The soil microbial community is taxonomically rich but this is known principally from DNA sequences from which function cannot be ascribed. Thus, it is essential to establish whether there are links between microbial diversity and function.

One key group of soil microorganisms is that of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). AMF are both ubiquitous and abundant forming a symbiotic relationship with two-thirds of all land plants. However, different AMF benefit different hosts to varying extents. Moreover, roots of a single plant can be colonised by multiple AMF and a single AMF can connect several plant species together through its mycelium, resulting in complex interactions among organisms.

This project will examine the impact of increasing AMF diversity upon plant water relations under contrasting drought regimes. GCC models predict that drought periods will become more frequent and severe therefore plants may have to depend upon AMF to acquire water. However, we do not know if AMF differ in their capability to improve drought tolerance or what impact an increase in AMF diversity may have. We will determine this through manipulation experiments and the student will be trained in a wide range of state-of-the-art physiological and genomic techniques.

The ACCE DTP is committed to recruiting extraordinary future scientists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or career pathway to date. We understand that commitment and excellence can be shown in many ways and have built our recruitment process to reflect this. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to learn new skills.