Host-microbial interactions in grasses

The internal tissues of nearly every plant worldwide are colonized by bacterial and fungal endophytes. The nature of plant-endophyte interactions ranges from mutualistic to pathogenic depending on a range of abiotic and biotic factors with some endophytes able to promote the growth and/or pathogen resistance of plants. The nature of plant-endophyte interactions may be affected by plant genotype, microbial, environmental and soil management factors. Improved understanding of the nature of plant microbiome interactions and the factors involved has potential impact on agricultural practice and food security. This project will study plant microbiome interactions in grasses using a range of microscopy, culturing, chemical, molecular and bioinformatics techniques. The project will be conducted in collaboration with Professor Fiona Doohan at University College Dublin, who will provide access to endophyte and fungal pathogen cultures.