Dissecting the Chemistry of Switchgrass-Microbe Interactions Using Cultivation, Exometabolomics and Mass Spectrometry Imaging

Project Goals: Our project works towards a fundamental understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving beneficial plant–microbial interactions in superior switchgrass genotypes adapted to a range of resource limitations. Plant-microbe interactions are examined during establishment to gain insight into how symbiotic and associative microbes improve plant performance and carbon stabilization in marginal soils. We will combine focused (single plant-microbe pairing) and 'community' systems biology approaches to examine the complex interplay among plants, microbes, and their physio-chemical environment.