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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Identification of functional markers of mycorrhiza efficiency in vineyard

subject

description

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi form a mutualistic symbiotic association with more than 80% ofland plants, including vines. Advantages of this mutualistic symbiosis are countless. Rootcolonisation by mycorrhizal fungi is mainly evaluated through staining and microscopicobservation. However those technics do not allow to differentiate different mycorrhizal fungi.In order to overcome those limits other tools, like antibodies, isoenzymes and molecular biologytechnics, can be used. Nevertheless, all of these methods “only” allow detection of the presenceof mycorrhizal fungi, whereas no information is provided on the proper mycorrhizal symbiosisfunctioning, and therefore on the benefits provided to the cultivated plants. The thesis projectaims to develop tools (diagnostic kits) for monitoring the functioning of the arbuscularmycorrhizal symbiosis, intended for professionals in the plant production sector. Thismonitoring will, among other things, validate the most favourable crop routes toward theoptimal functioning of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis and therefore the ecosystem servicesprovided by this mutualistic association. These tools will be extremely useful for professionalsinvolved in the development and implementation of environmentally sound agriculturalsystems production.