PhD defence by Laura Dethier

From Soil to Plant: Exploration of Beneficial Bacteria from a Danish Natural Soil

In nature, plant roots interact with complex microbial communities that perform essential functions for the growth and the health of plants. The root-associated microbiome is assembled from microbes residing in the surrounding soil and is determined by root exudation, plant immunity and microbial interactions. The exploitation of root-associated microbiomes that benefit plant productivity is regarded as a promising solution for sustainable agriculture. However, our understanding of the mechanisms governing the establishment of beneficial root-associated microbes and their underlying effects on plants remains elusive. This thesis is focused on the identification and characterization of beneficial microbes from a Danish natural soil and on the elucidation of their effects on plant growth using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana.

Supervisors

Professor Barbara Ann Halkier, PLEN

Deyang Xu, PLEN

Assessment committee

Chair: Mette Haubjerg Nicolaisen, PLEN (Chair)Researcher Opponent 1: Roeland Lucas Berendsen, Utrecht University

Opponent 2: Professor Heribert Hirt, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

Time and Venue

14th of June at 13:00

Festauditoriet, A1-01.01