Beneficial fungal endophytes are microorganisms that live within plant tissues without causing disease, forming intimate and often long-lasting associations with their hosts. Through biochemical and genetic interactions, these fungi can promote plant growth, enhance nutrient uptake, and strengthen plant defenses against a wide range of biotic and abiotic stresses.

We investigate how diverse plant species, including crops, wild plants and trees interact with beneficial and symbiotic microorganisms and whole plant microbiomes.We focus our studies on root fungal endophytes across multiple levels of biological organization, combining laboratory-based molecular analyses with controlled experiments and field studies.  

We explore molecular and cellular mechanisms, signaling pathways, priming, nutrient exchange, multi-partite and multi-trophic interacting levels, and the ecological functioning of plant-associated microbial communities. We aim to elucidate how root-associated endophytic communities are established and influence plant performance and resilience, and exploit their potential for sustainable agricultural applications.  The lab has a long-standing experience on developing microbial inocula as biopesticides and biostimulants and maintain a collection of fungal endophytes with known beneficial properties for plant growth and health.

see also sections on:

Plant-Microbe Symbioses: ecology and function

Plant Microbiomes

Ecotoxicity of pesticides and other pollutants on soil microbes