Study of the molecular bases of interactions between beneficial bacteria in the soil and plants, with the development of strategies for sustainable agriculture in view

The research team is engaged in studying the genetic mechanisms of a plant that regulate and/or are influenced by these interactions, using different plant species as the model, and species of bacteria that have beneficial effects on plants. In addition, the team is involved in the development of innovative strategies that can preserve and enrich the microbial community in the soil, for example exploiting the beneficial effects of compost produced from municipal organic waste. The use of compost as an organic fertiliser would thus be regarded as a virtuous cycle, in line with European directives on combating climate change and soil degradation. Working with SESA S.p.A., a producer of compost, the aim is to understand how the use of this organic soil conditioner can help to improve and boost biodiversity of the bacteria community associated with the roots of plants, thereby benefiting crops and reducing the environmental impact of conventional farming practices.