Use of Plant Growth-Promoting Microbes for Improved Soybean Yield and Stress Tolerance

The overall goal of this research project is to increase profitability of soybean production by simultaneously increase yield as well as tolerance against biotic and abiotic stresses. Plant growth promoting microbes not only stimulate plant growth but can also confer resistance to microbes that cause plant diseases. The PI's group is characterizing strains of the naturally occurring, nonpathogenic soil fungi Trichoderma spp. that serve as biocontrol agents to confer enhanced resistance against pathogens in many plant species, including soybean. In addition, the Trichoderma spp. significantly improves growth and yield of soybean plants, suggesting that these microbes induce root to shoot signaling resulting in improved vigor. The proposed work will characterize the efficacy of Trichoderma spp. in protecting soybean plants against microbial diseases and abiotic stresses. This proposal will also characterize the effect of Trichoderma spp. on soybean plant vigor, yield and protein content. The molecular events resulting in the establishment of induced resistance and yield in soybean plants will also be characterized. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for maximizing the application of this unique system in crop improvement.