Details of Award

NERC Reference : NER/A/S/2003/00504

Molecular plant-microbe communication and rhizosphere sulfur cycling.

Principal Investigator:: Dr M Kertesz, The University of Manchester, Life Sciences
Grant held at:: The University of Manchester, Life Sciences

ENRIs:: Pollution and Waste; Natural Resource Management; Biodiversity
Science Topics:: Environmental Microbiology; Environmental Genomics; Biogeochemical Cycles; Soil science

Abstract:: Plants require sulfur for growth, but most of the sulfur in natural soil is present in a bound form ('sulfonates') that can be utilized by some bacteria, but not by plants. We have identified a bacterial strain that can mobilize this sulfonate fraction, and that leads to a two-fold stimulation in the growth of tomato seedlings. This project will examine the effect of this strain on other plants, quantifying both plant growth and increased levels of sulfur and other minerals in the plant tissues. The growth stimulation effect will be correlated with the amount of sulfonate-Sulfur in the soil in which the plants are grown, and the ability of the bacterial strain to mobilize this sulfur. The genetic basis of growth stimulation will be investigated in detail by monitoring gene expression in the root-associated bacteria and in the plant while supplying varying levels of bio-available sulfur. The results of this analysis will then be used to search for other natural bacterial strains with similar properties. This research will provide much needed data on sulfur transformations at the plant-microbe-soil interface, but will also be of immense practical value in developing systems to promote sulfur bio-availability in the soil, and increase plant productivity.

Authorised funds only

This grant award has a total value of £263,690

Total - T&S	Total - Staff	Total - Other Costs	Total - Indirect Costs	Total - Equipment
£1,944	£142,624	£47,287	£65,607	£6,227

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