Arbuscular Mycorrhiza signalling in Wheat

Next to nitrogen, phosphorus (P) is the most important nutrient needed by a wheat crop. P is essential for the plant development, the quality and formation of the seeds, to assist photosynthesis and, energy storage and cell division. Phosphate-delivering arbuscular mycorriza has enormous potential for sustainable agriculture and enhancement of wheat yield. However, AM association with crops including wheat is suboptimal due to genetic and environmental conditions. By combining the state-of-the-art technics in genetics, molecular biology and metabolomics this project aims at characterizing a novel signalling pathway modulating arbuscular mycorrhiza symbiosis. The insights gained from this project will deliver unique knowledge to develop strategy aiming at optimising arbuscular mycorrhiza association with crops in the field.