Root Functional Biology
News
Tiny organisms such as bacteria and fungi help to promote the health and function of plant roots. It is commonly assumed that the composition of these microbes is dependent on the properties of the soil. However, an international team of researchers led by the University of Bonn has now discovered when studying different local varieties of maize that the genetic makeup of the plants also helps to influence which microorganisms cluster around the roots. The results, which have now been published in the prestigious journal Nature Plants, could help to breed future varieties of maize that are better suited to drought and limited nutrients.
Prof. Alexander Lipka from the University of Illinois will give a talk with the title “Lipka Lab: addressing key challenges of crop sciences through quantitative genetics”.
Prof. Hans Lambers from University of Western Australia, Honorary Professor, China Agricultural University on "Carboxylate-releasing phosphorus-mobilising strategies are pervasive in phosphorus-impoverished landscapes". Please find his classical and pioneering work on root ecology and root function (https://research-repository.uwa.edu.au/en/persons/hans-lambers).
With an joint effort, we harvested over 1500 rhizosphere samples within two days! We are now curious about what microbes do such soil contain and what functions do they play in such poor soil.
Contact
Head
Dr. Peng Yu
Adress
Room III.29
Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 144
D-53113 Bonn