|
|
|
Display category headings
Research Project:
Monoxenic and Axenic Cultivation of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (Am) Fungi
Location:
Microbial Biophysics and Residue Chemistry Research
Project Number: 1935-12000-007-00
Project Type:
Appropriated
Start Date: Apr 06, 2001
End Date: Apr 05, 2006
Objective:
Establish the physiological and metabolic constraints of the symbiotic association and find ways to overcome them to produce (AM) fungi in axenic culture (absence of a host) for field inoculation. Develop methods to optimize the production of AM fungi via in vitro axenic culture and use this technology primarily for physiological studies for eventual application of mycorrhizal inoculum.
Approach:
Elucidate the metabolic pathways of carbon and nitrogen that are essential for establishing the obligate relationship between host plant and fungus using NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry in conjunction with isotopically labeled substrates. Isolate and identify active signal compounds released by the host that induce metabolic and genetic responses (cDNA differential display) in the fungus. Characterize the genes expressed during each stage of the fungal life cycle and prepare cDNA and genomic libraries to establish what enzymatic pathways are activated prior to and during the symbiosis. Use the information gained from metabolic and genetic studies to simulate the conditions and substrates necessary for achieving axenic culture. Produce monoxenic fungus AM inoculum from the dual culture system using sterile Ri-T DNA transformed roots. Conduct pilot studies to determine the use of compost for on farm inoculum production and application. Through growing trials determine the optimum methods for utilizing inoculum and maintaining large populations of vigorous AM fungi.
|
|
Publications
| Related National Programs |
|
|
|
|
Email this page
