Introduction of AMF (arbuscular-mycorrhizal fungi) as biofertilizers and soil-structure stabilizers for sustainable agriculture
The main objectives of this project are to:
to initiate and establish an Indo-Swiss collaboration in a network of institutions, with a focus on beneficial plant-microbe interactions at the root-soil interface, a topic relevant for the development of sustainable agriculture;
to isolate and functionally and genetically characterize AMF strains efficient in promoting growth of wheat and pulses under semi-arid conditions and in low nutrient soils;
to propagate AMF isolates by conventional and in vitro techniques for microplot trials and subsequent multilocation testing (this will be executed in the next phase of the project);
to develop further the methodology to assess genetic and functional diversity of AMF: molecular 'fingerprinting' techniques and laboratory-/glasshouse-based test systems to measure the symbiotic performance of AMF isolates and host plant genotypes;
to assess the effects of interactions between AMF and PGPR (plant growth promoting rhizobacteria) in collaboration with the group engaged in the companion project on rhizobacteria.
to initiate and establish an Indo-Swiss collaboration in a network of institutions, with a focus on beneficial plant-microbe interactions at the root-soil interface, a topic relevant for the development of sustainable agriculture;
to isolate and functionally and genetically characterize AMF strains efficient in promoting growth of wheat and pulses under semi-arid conditions and in low nutrient soils;
to propagate AMF isolates by conventional and in vitro techniques for microplot trials and subsequent multilocation testing (this will be executed in the next phase of the project);
to develop further the methodology to assess genetic and functional diversity of AMF: molecular 'fingerprinting' techniques and laboratory-/glasshouse-based test systems to measure the symbiotic performance of AMF isolates and host plant genotypes;
to assess the effects of interactions between AMF and PGPR (plant growth promoting rhizobacteria) in collaboration with the group engaged in the companion project on rhizobacteria.