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.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- agricultural sciences agriculture, forestry, and fisheries agriculture sustainable agriculture
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology bacteriology
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology mycology
- natural sciences biological sciences ecology ecosystems
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IEF
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
1011 JV AMSTERDAM
Netherlands
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.