Alder-microbe interactions and adaptations in changing environments.

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Soil-dwelling bacteria of genus Frankia are very important in Nature; it is estimated that 15% to 25% of global nitrogen fixation can be attributed to these organisms. Unfortunately, the study of frankiae and their symbiosis with alder roots comprise a number of technical difficulties. I am addressing these difficulties using state-of-the-art techniques, and pursuing this important research in an integrated manner. Over the course of the following 5 years, we will study how frankiae and other alder root inhabitants (symbiotic fungi) from alder roots, interact with their host plant when it is exposed to heavy metal contamination, or drought. Both these environmental stressors are present where alder grow. To date, we have insufficient fundamental knowledge of their biology and interactions to effectively predict how industrial activities and global warming can impact them, nor harness their full potential to adress these same environmental issues. One important use of these plant-microbe systems is the revegetatation of disturbed mine sites. This research will reveal if and how alders fare better in the presence of their microbial partners when exposed to metals or drought. Advanced plant biology and molecular biology methods will be applied in trials conducted in controlled (greenhouse) conditions, and the monitoring of experimental plantations on gold, iron and lithium mine sites in Northern Québec.