Harnessing the Holobiont: Can We Evolve Microbes to Influence Their Hosts?

This project aims to experimentally test the holobiont concept—that a host and its closely associated microbes function as a single, co-evolving unit. Using a defined set of microbial species grown on plant roots under controlled lab conditions, we will investigate how microbial evolution influences the host and whether directed evolution of microbes can alter plant growth. By exploring microbial evolution and ecological interactions, this research will provide valuable insights into sustainable agriculture, potentially reducing chemical inputs, and contributing to environmental and agricultural resilience.