Microorganisms colonize the plant root environment in the soil and reside even within living plant tissues, hence interacting closely and intensively with the plants. Through gene-based analysis we investigate the mechanisms of beneficial plant-microbe interactions. We utilize this knowledge to exploit microbial functions that promote plant growth (e.g. via the modulation of phytohormone production) and are antagonistic to pathogens. In addition, we access the degradation capabilities of plant-associated microbes in the phytoremediation of soils polluted with heavy metals or organic contaminants. We thus utilize bacterial resources for improving plant pathogen control, and in plant strengthening and phytoremediation applications.

We offer the following services:

• Identification of bacterial strains for use in agriculture and soil remediation
• Development of specific applications based on new findings about beneficial
       plant-microbe interactions
• Use of molecular biological technologies for the detection and activity
       assessment of inoculated strains
• Use of molecular biological technologies for the analysis of plant-associated
       communities of microorganisms

Reference projects:

• VALORAM
• Salix Heavy Metals
• GREENLAND
• How endophytes sense nature