Metagenomics of the Phragmites australis rhizomicrobiome: Insights for its invasive lifestyle

This project emphasizes on the invasive proliferation of obnoxious wetland plant, Phragmites australis in Canada and India, impacting the economy and ecology of both the countries. We focus on understanding the relationship of soil microbes and this plant species, whether soil microbiota aids in its successful invasive spread. In view of the growing pollution in water bodies, we will also set a greenhouse experiment to determine 2 things:
1. Assess the rhizospheric microbial communities associated with P. australis in native and non-native regions through meta-barcoding using 18s rRNA, ITS and 16s rRNA.
2. Evaluate the role of soil microbiota in ameliorating heavy metal stress by P. australis in relation to its bioremediation potential as a cost-effective approach for cleaning up polluted soils/water.
3. Compare the haplotypes of P.australis across North America, Europe and Asia.

Faculty Supervisor:

Damase Khasa

Student:

Partner:

University of Kashmir

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Environmental Science and Technology; Forestry; Sustainability & the Environment

University:

Université Laval

Program: