Simultaneous analysis of root-derived plant defences and the associated microbiome

Abstract:: The plant root soil microbe interaction is critical to plant health and economic yield, but has been very difficult to study under the ground. Recent breakthroughs in pyrosequencing and metabolomic technologies together with our recent development of the world s first cDNA microarray for soil microbial communities are a great opportunity to understand this interaction at both the genetic and biochemical level. With a unique combination of skills we will simultaneously analyse root gene expression, plant-microbe chemical interactions, and microbial community gene expression. Important new genes and compounds will be identified and evaluated for their ability to improve yields and increase resistance to soil pathogens and disease.
Grant type:: ARC Discovery Projects
Funded by:: Australian Research Council

The University of Queensland