ColliAM · Possible Stimulation by Mycophagous Collimonas Bacteria of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Functioning
FP7 — People (Marie Curie Actions)
- Duration
- 2011-05-01 → 2013-04-30
- EU contribution
- €237,500
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MC-IEF
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Possible Stimulation by Mycophagous Collimonas Bacteria of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Functioning
The aim of the project was to gain insights on how Collimonas bacteria interact with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in order to use them as a consortium of plant beneficial microorganisms in sustainable agriculture. The results from two in vitro experiments demonstrated two of our first initial hypothesis, namely the mycophagy ability of Collimonas bacteria on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and the capacity of Collimonas bacteria to solubilize phosphorous in soil. In a microcosm experiment, we have shown for the first time that the external mycelium of AM fungi increases the growth of Collimonas bacteria up to ten times comparing to the control treatments without mycorrhiza. From these important findings we can conclude that the interaction between both microorganisms is positive as the AM fungi provide a beneficial environment for Collimonas bacteria to grow. These important facts reveal new tools in biocontrol and organic agriculture, namely the application of Collimonas bacteria and AM fungi as a consortium of plant beneficial microorganisms.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) fungi are key components in sustainable agriculture as they enable efficient nutrient uptake by crops when chemical fertilization is reduced. AM fungal functioning is, however, influenced by other microbes that interact with their hyphae. One of these microorganisms is the recently discovered genus Collimonas. Collimonas bacteria show a great potential application in sustainable agriculture both as a biocontrol agent and as a P-solubilizer, based on its mycophagy (feed on fungi) and mineral weathering abilities. Here, I propose for the first time, the possible application of AM fungi and Collimonas bacteria as a consortium of beneficial microorganisms for sustainable agriculture purposes. The successful application is dependent on our understanding of the interaction between Collimonas and AM fungi. The aim of this proposal is to gain insights on the mechanisms involved in the interaction, its relevance in natural ecosystems and its influence on plant performance. The Collimonas-AM fungal interaction has both positive (increased hyphal branching, higher supply of nutrients) and negative (consumption of AM hyphae) components. My general hypothesis is that the interaction between both microorganisms commonly occurs in nature and results in a positive mutualistic relationship from which plants benefit. The hyphosphere would provide a beneficial environment for Collimonas growth, which in turn would increase nutrient availability for AM fungi and, consequently, for the plant. To test my hypothesis I propose a highly interdisciplinary approach combining advanced molecular, biochemical and microscopic techniques in natural ecosystems, microcosms and in vitro experiments. The results are expected to bring out new leads for novel strategies in sustainable agriculture by improving AM fungi functioning through Collimonas inoculation. The main benefits of the program for my career are enhanced independency and experience in cutting-edge techniques.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- KONINKLIJKE NEDERLANDSE AKADEMIE VAN WETENSCHAPPEN - KNAW · AMSTERDAMCoordinatorNetherlands
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union