Aarhus, Denmark
February 21, 2012
Scientists from Aarhus University will use advanced genetic sequencing technology to get a better view of the interaction between fungi and wheat.
In a new research project scientists from Aarhus University will use modern technology to get a complete picture of the complex microworld of plants.
Traditionally plant pathology research has involved studying the pathogen and plant interaction by looking at each plant and pathogen combination individually. But the real world is not so simple.
When a pathogen infects a plant, the pathogen and plant interaction is not the only one. A multitude of microorganisms in and around plant roots, stems, leaves and other organs also join in the interaction. The effect can either increase or moderate the course of the disease.
In their endeavour, the scientists will use a technology called Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). This technology gives an instant snapshot of the complete genetic composition of organisms by generating millions of readings of genetic sequences in one go. With the NGS technology the scientists will get a complete picture of the genetic composition of the whole micro-population in one sample.
A vast number of different organisms exist at the microscopic level.
- In our experience, there can be anything from 100 to 1000 different species or subpecies in the samples taken, depending on how complex the environment in question is, says the leader of the new project, senior scientist Mogens Nicolaisen from Aarhus University.
In the project the team of scientists will examine the dynamics generated when wheat is infected to different degrees with the fungus Fusarium. They will carry out genetic sequencing on about 300 samples, which will result in around 400,000 readings of genetic sequences. When the data has been processed, the scientists will be able to determine which microorganisms are present and whether the extent of the infection affects the composition of the microorganisms.
Scientists have already found a clear, negative correlation between the Fusarium fungus and other fungi such as Lewia infectoria and Cryptococcus sp. in a pilot project. This indicates that there is a direct interaction between these two species that possibly inhibits Fusarium.
A better understanding of the interaction between plants and pathogens can lead to a better and more effective pest control. There are undreamt-of possibilities for what the new technology can be used for: investigations of the effect of fungicides on fungal populations, the effect of climate on overall fungal biodiversity and studies of the effect of fungi for soil fertility, to mention but a few.
The project is funded by the AU project development fund under the AU Ideas scheme.
Topics
Species
