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Microbes and Molecules in Hidden Partnerships
Carolina Lobato ·A new study led at TU Graz in collaboration with partners in Uganda uncovers the root-associated microbes and chemical compounds of Mondia whitei, a plant highly valued in African traditional medicine for its therapeutic roots. To better understand the biology of this endagered species, we analyzed its microbiome (bacteria and fungi living in and around the roots) and how that...
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Microbial Interactions and Culturability of Seed Bacteria
Carolina Lobato ·Seed-associated microorganisms contribute to plant health by influencing nutrient acquisition, disease resistance, and stress adaptation. Culturing microbes is an essential step in microbiome research, allowing for direct functional analysis and potential agricultural applications. However, not all microbes can be readily cultured in laboratory settings, limiting our understanding of their ecological roles. In our latest study, we compared the cultured and...
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Rediscovering the Microbial Legacy of Seeds
Carolina Lobato ·Seeds carry more than just genetic material; they are living reservoirs of microbial communities passed from one plant generation to the next. This process, known as microbial inheritance, plays a fundamental role in plant health and adaptation. However, modern breeding practices have largely overlooked this hidden legacy, often disrupting long-standing plant-microbe relationships in pursuit of specific agronomic traits.
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Cannabiom
Carolina Lobato ·Cannabis has quickly emerged as a prominent player in both the food and nutraceutical markets, particularly in Europe and the USA. As its popularity continues to grow, farmers face new challenges in producing high-quality Cannabis that involve production stability, resource efficiency, and precise cannabinoid profiles.
