Abstract Detail

Poster Session

Gónzalez-Chávez, Ma. del Carmen A. [1], Johnson, Lynnaun [2], Sandona, Katrina [3], Carrillo-González, Rogelio  [1], Mueller, Gregory M. [4], Porras-Alfaro, Andrea [3].

Root-associated fungi in Vanilla planifolia from plantation systems in Mexico.

Vanilla planifolia is an economically valuable crop and is propagated through vegetative cuttings but due to genetic homogeneity can witness 100% crop loss from fungal pathogens such as species of Fusarium. Previous investigations on fungal endophyte diversity suggest that certain microbial communities could provide resistance to pathogens, thereby significantly increasing plant fitness. The goal of this research project was to investigate the root-associated fungal community of healthy V. planifolia plantations across varying farming practices (i.e. highly managed, traditional to wild natural plantations). We compared seven V. planifolia plantations in Mexico with varying practices ranging from modern and highly managed (shade house, organic fertilization and alternative pest control) to traditional-wild plant conditions (high plant diversity and organic practices). Roots from 3-5 plants were sampled and surfaced sterilized and soil samples were also collected for analysis at each farm. We obtained more than 226 pure cultures. Preliminary results from sequencing of ITS rRNA region revealed at least 25 OTUs at 97% similarity.  Fusarium was the most common genus isolated from healthy roots and was represented by several OTUs.  Pathogenicity assays were conducted showing that at least 30 isolates show low to no pathogenicity in Cattleya aurantiaca microplants.  Root samples from four selected sites were also collected to conduct next generation sequencing analysis for bacteria and fungi with the objective to compare the different farming systems. We expect this research will provide insights to better understand plant-associated microbial populations and to establish the management bases to improve health of Vanilla plantations.

1 - Colegio de Postgraduados, Campus Montecillo, 56230 Carretera México, Texcoco, km 36.5. Montecillo, Estado de México, México
2 - Northwestern University, 2205 Tech Drive, O.T. Hogan Hall, Room 2-144, Evanston, IL, 606208, USA
3 - Western Illinois University, Biological Sciences, Waggoner Hall 372, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL, 61455, USA
4 - Chicago Botanic Garden, Conservation Science, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL, 60022, USA

Keywords:
none specified

Presentation Type: Offered Paper - Poster
Session: P5
Location: Lincoln Room/Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center
Date: Monday, June 9th, 2014
Time: 8:00 PM
Number: P5008
Abstract ID:209
Candidate for Awards:Graduate Student Poster Presentation Award