Beatriz Galindo 2023
2024-2028
The project aims to understand the functional diversity of root-associate fungi and their roles in plant productivity. The project involves a multidisciplinary approach, combining biogeography, community ecology, molecular biology, and organismal biology, aimed at identifying fundamental principles that predict the interactions with plants and impact on ecosystems. This research has the potential to yield applied benefits in agriculture and circular economy by identifying beneficial fungal agents or fermentation processes.
Mycorrhizal or not mycorrhizal? Assessing the role of root-associated fungi in plant nutrition
Plant roots associate with complex microbial communities, including fungi that can be pathogenic or mutualistic. While mycorrhizas are well-studied, many root-associate fungi have unknown functions and effects on plant fitness. In this project, we systematically assessed the potential benefits of non-mycorrhizal root-associated fungi in assisting plants' nutrition. The study involved sampling fungal diversity across nutrient gradients, isolating functionally relevant groups, and testing their involvement in plant nutrition using bioassays. By exploring patterns of functional traits occurrence across fungal lineages, results from this project will help understand the evolution of the root-symbiotic lifestyle in fungi and contribute to sustainable agriculture practices.
