Division of Biotechnology and Plant Health
PROTECT: Priming for Resistance Of Trees and its Effects on microbial CommuniTies
Spruce trees protect themselves from pest and pathogens using a wide range of defenses. These defenses adapt to changes in the environment. These defenses can also be sensitized so that they can be more rapidly activated upon attack. This sensitization is similar to a person getting a vaccination. Like humans, plants live in relationship with beneficial microorganisms. These organisms help plants to be healthy and avoid sickness. In this project, we seek to better understand how sensitizing of the Norway spruce immune response effects their relationship with helpful microorganisms and how these microorganisms effect the Norway spruce immune response. We will identify novel spruce vaccinating chemicals that increase spruce resistance with minimal secondary effects, such as growth inhibition. We will also determine the effects of vaccinating on spruce associated microorganisms and the effects of these microorganisms on spruce defenses. Knowledge gained from this project will deepen our understanding of the relationship between spruce and its microogranisms. In addition, we hope to find a solution to use less pesticides, protect spruce from damage and develop a more sustainable and profitable forestry practices.
