Recipient Organization
NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIV
1310 BOLLEY DR
FARGO,ND 58105-5750
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
This project aims to investigate the dynamic interactions within the barley microbiome during Fusarium head blight (FHB) infection. Our extensive survey of microbiome composition across four locations in the US during FHB infection of barley revealed the microbiome undergoes significant alterations in response to disease presence, and the response was more pronounced in the fungal community. This observational data and culture collections of the core microbiome has driven us to investigate the phyllosphere suppressive functions of the barley microbiome and assemblage of transkingdom communities in the context of enemy recognition and host immune response. Here we explore these concepts with three primary objectives. Firstly, we seek to establish the barley phyllosphere as a model system for studying transkingdom microbiome assembly mechanisms using synthetic communities. Secondly, we aim to determine whether microbes recruited during disease or from a non-diseased/"healthy" state are more effective in mitigating the disease's impact. This involves performing drop-out experiments with synthetic communities for their effects on plant health and Fusarium inhibition. Finally, we plan to investigate the mechanisms underlying assembly of phyllosphere microbes, using external MAMPs application and Fusarium mutants to assess the role of microbial recognition and plant immunity as biotic selectors. This comprehensive approach will deepen our understanding of the intricate relationships between barley, its microbiome, and Fusarium infection, potentially opening new avenues for disease management strategies.
Animal Health Component
0%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
100%
Applied
0%
Developmental
0%
Goals / Objectives
The overarching goal of this project is to enhance our understanding of transkingdom microbial community assembly and function within the barley phyllosphere under Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) disease pressure. By elucidating the interactions between bacterial, fungal, and host factors, this research aims to leverage microbiome-mediated disease suppression to advance sustainable agricultural practices and improve disease resistance in barley.To achieve this, the project will pursue three primary objectives. First, it will investigate the role of transkingdom interactions in community assembly. This includes optimizing the establishment of bacterial and fungal synthetic communities (SynComs) in an aseptic barley system and evaluating how bacterial-fungal interactions shape phyllosphere microbiome composition. Second, the project will examine the disease-suppressive functions of microbial communities. This involves testing the contributions of bacterial, fungal, and transkingdom communities to FHB suppression, assessing the roles of disease-enriched and disease-depleted taxa in mitigating disease, and determining whether in vitro pathogen suppression traits of individual microbial taxa predict in planta disease suppression. Third, the project will dissect the influence of host immune responses on microbiome assembly. Specifically, it will investigate the impact of plant immune recognition of microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) on microbial assembly and study the effects of Fusarium virulence factors on phyllosphere microbial community dynamics.Through these objectives, the project aims to develop innovative strategies for manipulating the barley phyllosphere microbiome to reduce FHB severity and mycotoxin contamination. It also seeks to advance fundamental knowledge of microbial community assembly and host-pathogen-microbiome interactions. Ultimately, the work will establish a framework for using synthetic communities as models for studying microbiomes in other crops and environments. This comprehensive approach is expected to pave the way for sustainable crop management practices, enhancing disease resilience and agricultural productivity.
Project Methods
This project will be conducted using a combination of advanced scientific methods, innovative experimental approaches, and comprehensive evaluation strategies to ensure impactful outcomes. A primary focus will be on the development and optimization of transkingdom synthetic communities (SynComs) for the barley phyllosphere. Controlled experiments will be conducted using aseptic barley systems to study the dynamics of microbial community assembly, disease suppression, and host-microbiome-pathogen interactions. General scientific methods will include high-throughput culturing, microbiome sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, and hypothesis-driven experimentation. Unique aspects of this project include the use of transkingdom SynComs to explore interactions between bacterial and fungal communities, the application of plant immune signaling elicitors (e.g., MAMPs), and the use of advanced tools like fluorescently tagged pathogens for real-time assessment of disease dynamics.Results will be analyzed using cutting-edge bioinformatics pipelines, statistical modeling, and community ecology frameworks. Data analysis will focus on microbial community composition, functional traits, disease outcomes, and correlations with plant phenotypes. Key metrics, such as microbial colonization success, community stability, disease severity, and mycotoxin levels, will be evaluated through generalized linear models, PERMANOVA, and correlation analyses. Outputs will be interpreted in the context of field-collected data, allowing for robust comparisons between experimental and natural systems.Efforts to deliver science-based knowledge will include formal classroom instruction, laboratory training for students, and the development of new curricula and teaching methodologies for microbiome science. Workshops, extension publications, field days, and outreach events will serve to disseminate findings to farmers, extension agents, and industry stakeholders. Experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and research assistantships, will enable students and trainees to gain practical skills in microbiome research and sustainable agriculture.Evaluation of the project's success will be integral to its design and implementation. Milestones and measurable indicators of success will include the development of functional SynComs, reduced Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) severity in experimental trials, and the adoption of microbiome-based practices by farmers. Surveys and feedback forms will be used to assess knowledge gains among workshop participants and changes in practices among farmers. Quantitative data, such as the number of acres adopting new practices, reductions in chemical fungicide use, and increases in crop yield and quality, will be collected to evaluate changes in actions and conditions. Scientific impact will be measured through metrics like the number of publications, citations, and presentations, as well as the accessibility and usage of publicly shared data and resources. These evaluations will ensure that the project achieves its intended impact on knowledge, actions, and conditions, benefiting a wide range of stakeholders and advancing sustainable agriculture.