Prospecting crop root mycobiomes for yield-enhancing bioproducts

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Large variation in yield within fields of a single crop genotype is observed frequently. This variation often cannot be linked to soil conditions or nutrient levels but is instead related to the composition or activity of the soil microbial communities. This project will yield novel data on the root mycobiomes of crop plants differing substantially in yield, identifying those consistently associated with low yield (fungal species that are pathogens and plant antagonists) or high yield (species that promote plant growth directly, or indirectly through control of plant pathogens or antagonists). This project will also leverage these data to develop mycofertilizer and mycoprotective products for broad-scale agricultural application in crop agriculture, taking them from the idea stage to pilot testing in greenhouse facilities at the University of Western Ontario. This collaboration will accrue significant benefits to the academic partner, allowing the PI to continue to build expertise in metagenomic analyses of fungal communities; in addition, two graduate students, two technical staff and one postdoctoral researcher will receive valuable training in the pure and applied scientific aspects of the work, with excellent opportunities to work with the industry partner to broaden their career opportunities. Our industry partner, A&L Biologicals, will benefit through the mycological expertise, molecular and multivariate analyses not otherwise available to them, leading to the development of potentially marketable product(s). Molecular tests for soil fertility or pathogens, and biofertilizers to improve crop yields, are among the key product areas of A&L Biologicals. This project represents one step towards sustainable enhancement of crop yields with a reduced environmental footprint.