Objectif The plant rhizosphere contains an abundant and diverse array of microbes, and plants interact with this microbial community in diverse ways, from mutualistic to neutral to pathogenic . It is proposed that future agricultural systems should strategically incorporate mutualistic plant-microbe associations, whereby high-performing combinations of plant genotypes and microbial populations are co-cultivated to promote improved nutrient use efficiency and decreased fertiliser application . Currently, there is a poor scientific understanding of the precise biochemical transformations and exchanges that occur in mutualistic associations between plants and microbes, and it is also unclear which specific microbial species are the most effective for supporting plant growth and nutrition. There is evidence that plant genotypes exhibit differing capacities to shape their rhizospheric microbiome , but our poor mechanistic understanding of this phenomenon prevents breeding strategies to select crop varieties that will host favourable microbial interactions. Therefore, this project proposes to address these gaps in scientific knowledge, by undertaking co-cultivation experiments that investigate which specific bacterial species are most effective for enhancing plant uptake of nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S) from organic sources, as well as which specific Arabidopsis accessions are the most receptive hosts for these interactions. Next, isotope labelling and metabolic flux studies will be undertaken in the best and worst performing plant-microbe combinations, to define the specific biochemical routes of N & S transfer that are favourable for plant nutrition. Also, genetic investigations will be undertaken to find the key genes responsible for favourable plant-microbe interactions. This project combines the complementary expertise of its participants to deliver high-quality training to the researcher, which will enhance his professional maturity in this strategically important field. Champ scientifique natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsproteomicsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologybacteriologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesecologyecosystemsagricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagricultureagronomyplant breedingnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbotany Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Thème(s) MSCA-IF-2015-EF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) Appel à propositions H2020-MSCA-IF-2015 Voir d’autres projets de cet appel Régime de financement MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinateur UNIVERSITAT ZU KOLN Contribution nette de l'UE € 159 460,80 Adresse ALBERTUS MAGNUS PLATZ 50931 Koln Allemagne Voir sur la carte Région Nordrhein-Westfalen Köln Köln, Kreisfreie Stadt Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Participation aux programmes de R&I de l'UE Opens in new window Réseau de collaboration HORIZON Opens in new window Coût total € 159 460,80