Exploring potato microbiota potential for modulating its immunity and growth

Understanding the complex interactions between plants and other organisms in the environment is crucial for the development of more efficient and sustainable crop production. Pathogens and pests can, despite the use of chemical pesticides, still cause up to 80% reduction of yields. On the other hand, a subset of plant-associated microbiota, including some endophytes, can have a beneficial impact on plant fitness by directly promoting plant growth or through priming of the immune response. Mechanisms of plant-pathogen one-on-one interactions are known in substantial detail, yet little is known of mechanisms triggered in plant as a response to interaction with its endophytes. We have chosen to study potato, as one of the most important crops, and three microbes that have been isolated and identified in our lab as potato endophytes. To better understand the potato-endophyte interaction, we will combine cell biology, synthetic biology and systems biology methodologies and study local and systemic responses. On one hand, we will study the endophyte physiology in situ, in planta and on the field. On the other hand, using a multilevel experimental design, including transcriptomics and epigenomics levels, combined with confocal imaging and tissue microdissection, we will obtain the spatially-resolved plant response to endophytes. To better understand how the endophytes are influencing potato immune system systemically, the performance of plants colonised with endophytes will be tested in interaction with potato virus Y, the most economically important viral pathogen of potato and Colorado potato beetle, the most devastating insect pest. We will thus evaluate the potential beneficial effects of endophytes on building defense potential against pathogens and pests. Data will be integrated and hypotheses on mechanisms of interaction between plant and its endophyte generated through statistical modeling and network analyses. The hypotheses will be validated in specifically designed experimental setup. In summary, the proposed project will provide a breakthrough in understanding the potato-microbiome interaction and will guide the research towards new strategies for sustainable agriculture.