WP2: Greenhouse biossays under different (a)biotic stresses

In this WP, a synthetic microbial community (SynCom) will be tested in different plant species exposed to a set of abiotic and biotic stress. These experiments will be performed in 4 different countries.

Task “2.1” Eco Oasis construction (Spain): (10 person months), an Eco Oasis construction will be set up for testing plants inoculated with a designed SynCom under both biotic and abiotic stress conditions (in WP4). This natural setup will aid in understanding the resilience of an ecosystem from a holistic perspective.
Task “2.2” Test SynCom for flooding and salinity tolerance in rice and tomato (Thailand): (33 person months), plants will be grown under flooding and salinity stress. There will be plants pre-treated with and without SynCom inoculation. At specified time points plant growth measurements will be performed. Plant material and roots will be collected to perform molecular and biochemical measurements (plant) and analyze microbiome composition.
Task “2.3” Test SynCom for drought tolerance in rice and tomato (Netherlands): (15 person months), plants will be grown under drought stress. There will be plants pre-treated with and without SynCom inoculation. At specified time points plant growth measurements will be performed. Plant material and roots will be collected to perform molecular and biochemical measurements (plant) and analyze microbiome composition.
Task “2.4” Test SynCom for resistance to bacterial infection in rice and tomato (Spain): (39 person months). plants will be infected with bacterial pathogens. There will be plants pre-treated with and without SynCom inoculation. At specified time points plant growth measurements and assessment of disease will be performed. Plant material and roots will be collected to perform molecular and biochemical measurements (plant) and analyze microbiome composition.
Task “2.5” Test SynCom for resistance to fungal infection in rice and tomato (Greece): (33 person months), plants will be infected with bacterial pathogens. There will be plants pre-treated with and without SynCom inoculation. At specified time points plant growth measurements and assessment of disease will be performed. Plant material and roots will be collected to perform molecular and biochemical measurements (plant) and analyze microbiome composition. In all these experiments (and exchanges), young and experienced researchers will be involved and trained in different techniques and systems of study.