Biomolecular characterization of micro-organisms associated with the rhizosphere of five economically important Andean crops as an assessment of soil health and productivity

The project has five steps: 1. Identification of the microbiota associated with the rhizosphere of five economically important crops in the province of Chimborazo, Ecuador; 2. Isolate and select micro-organism strains that are likely to contribute efficiently to the development of the crops; 3. Using field trials, determine the efficiency of the selected micro-orgranisms; 4. Knowledge transfer and report writing. The intern will arrive to undertake steps 3 and 4. The lead investigator is part of a research team in adaptation to climate change based at ESPOCH in Chimborazo. I have worked with the team for over five years and it emphasizes international collaborations. The intern will be part of a team of undergraduate students and will build research skills that can be applied to soil research in the Thunder Bay area.

Faculty Supervisor:

Brian McLaren;Nathan Basiliko

Student:

Partner:

Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture and Food; Life Sciences (not health); Sustainability & the Environment

University:

Lakehead University

Program: