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Project properties |
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| Title | Development of a greenhouse pathogen assay for intercropping systems |
| Group | Plant Breeding, Laboratory of |
| Project type | thesis |
| Credits | 24-36 |
| Supervisor(s) | Joliese Teunissen, Alejandra Gallo Sandoval |
| Examiner(s) | Arjen Schots (NEM) |
| Contact info | Joliese.teunissen@wur.nl |
| Begin date | 2024/02/01 |
| End date | 2024/08/01 |
| Description | Intercropping is an emerging alternative agricultural method, to increase sustainability, lower chemical inputs and increase yield stability. One of the main selling points of intercropping is the reduction of pathogen pressure through diversification. This phenomena is studied mainly aboveground and less so belowground in the soil.
In this project, we will test the effect of intercropping on the efficacy of a soil-borne pathogen. You will be in control of setting up the first trials for the experiment. These trials involve fungal cultivation and inoculation, greenhouse container size and plant age trials and plant health monitoring. In addition, there is room for molecular analysis like qPCR for plant gene expression (ISR) and nanopore sequencing for pathogen detection and microbiome analysis. If all goes well, you can see your work come to fruition in the main experiment, where you can do additional sampling if interested. The project allows for a high level of independence and creativity. |
| Used skills | Lab experience, microbial culturing, molecular analysis, plant biomass analysis, greenhouse work |
| Requirements | MSc Plant Biotechnology, MSc Plant Sciences or BSc Environmental Sciences |