PhD position in Molecular Biology at Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra

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Fully Funded PhD in Determination of the Effect of Bacteria from Compost on Plant Growth Stimulation and Pathogen Inhibition

Project Description

In the current period, due to expected climate changes, but also public pressure for organic production without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, more and more attention is paid to microorganisms (mainly bacteria) that can support plant growth or act antagonistically against phytopathogens.

Bacteria promoting plant growth (Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria – PGPB) form a specific group that can stimulate the growth of plants by various mechanisms, provide them with a higher intake of nutrients, and increase their resistance to abiotic stresses, diseases, and pests.

In addition to the rhizosphere, above-ground parts of plants (phyllosphere species), and inside plant tissue (endophytic species), PGPB can also be isolated from composts. In the case of PGPB isolated directly from composts, their good survivability is assumed after the application of composts fortified with such bacteria to the soil and the subsequent improvement of the microbiological parameters of the soil quality as well as a positive effect on the composition of the soil/plant microbiome.

Project Summary

Research Topic: Determination of the effect of bacteria from compost on plant growth stimulation and pathogen inhibition
Supervisor: doc. Ing. Jana Maková, PhD.
E-Mail: jana.makova@uniag.ak
Study program: Molecular Biology
Organisation: Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra
Department: Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science
Research Field: Biological sciences
Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
Language: Slovak
Country: Slovakia
Application Deadline: 31 May 2024 – 23:59 (Europe/Bratislava)
Type of Contract: Not Applicable
Job Status: Full-time
Hours Per Week: 37,5
Offer Starting Date: 1 Sep 2024

Objectives:

Isolation of bacteria from composts with an emphasis on monitoring morphological and biochemical characteristics, enzymatic activity, utilization of substrates and properties important in terms of plant growth stimulation and the ability to resist abiotic and biotic stress conditions, mainly pathogens
Analysis of the action of selected PGPB strains in stimulating plant growth, inhibiting the growth of pathogens, and inducing systemically acquired plant resistance as a response to the action of model stress biotic (pathogen) environmental conditions. The induced stress will be evaluated based on the production of jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, and ethylene and signaling pathways that have a key role in the regulation of plant defense reactions.
Evaluation of the impact of the application of isolated PGPB on the growth of selected plants and the quality of the fortified compost with PGPB.