PLSCS 6660

Applied Plant-Microbe Interactions

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2023-2024.

Microbial interactions with plant roots strongly affect plant productivity. Mutualisms, such as root nodule bacteria and mycorrhizae; deleterious interactions, such as pathogenesis and herbivory; and the importance of microbial activity in the rhizosphere are among the topics discussed. Course activities are aimed at helping students improve their professional practice within the content area.

When Offered Fall.

Prerequisites/Corequisites Prerequisite: PLSCS 4660 or solid understanding of ecological principles applied to soil systems.

Comments Offered in odd-numbered years only.

• Evaluate experimental research methods, refine research questions, and write critical research reports.
• Discuss the implications of soil management practices for improving the interrelationships between plant roots and soil microbial communities and, ultimately, crop productivity and environmental and economic integrity.
• Critically review current literature, present, discuss and debate research findings and devise approaches to improve the functioning of soil microbial populations to enhance plant growth.

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