PhD defence Jyotsna Nepal
Jyotsna Nepal (GREEN)
Promotores: Prof. J. Falcao Salles, Prof. R. Guyoneaud (Université de Pau); copromotor: Dr E. Attard (Université de Pau)
Insights into the diversity of the endophytic community in potatoes and factors affecting this diversity
Plant-microbiome interactions have become a critical focus in sustainable agricultural management due to their significant impact on plant health and growth. The role of the plant microbiome in promoting plant vitality is well established, with the rhizosphere and endophytic communities playing key parts. These microbiomes are influenced by a variety of biotic and abiotic factors, making it essential to understand how these elements interact. Gaining insight into these influences is crucial for developing effective microbiome-based strategies that enhance crop productivity and resilience. In this thesis, we focus specifically on the endophytic microbiome, which is often overlooked but plays crucial roles such as pest and disease protection, nutrient mobilisation, and stress tolerance for plants. Using results from controlled greenhouse experiments, this thesis investigates the influence of environmental and host-related factors on the diversity of endophytes. Our study provides new insights for breeders seeking to incorporate microbiome-related traits into breeding programmes.