About

In recent years, there is a growing public pressure toward the use of “green products” in agriculture because of the negative impact of chemical spraying on the environment and the emergence of pesticide resistance. One of these environmental friendly solutions is that of microbial biocontrol agents.

Endophytic bacteria, that do not harm their hosts, naturally inhabit the internal tissues of most plants.  These bacteria often play a major role in numerous aspects of their host plant's biology. Cases showing a mutual host-bacterium benefit include enhanced host growth rate, acceleration of seed germination, tolerance to stress, and supply of critical nutrients to the host. Endophytic bacteria can also contribute to plant disease resistance by suppressing pathogens and enhancing the plant's immune system.

My Research in agriculture sciences is focused on the applied microbiology aspect.  Information about the microbial communities inhabiting different agriculture niches and isolating bacteria with different beneficial traits is the basis of environmental engineering. I plan to isolate further and identify endophytic bacteria that can be used as a biocontrol agent against plant diseases to improve plant growth. Suitable protocols for the application of these bacteria are being examined in order to allow simple usage by farmers.

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