Decoding communication profiles of AMF-soil microbiota with cannabis for higher yield and environmental safety

Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are extensively used for commercial growth of cannabis alike other crops. More than 40% of unused fertilizers cause serious environmental problems such as contaminants transform into our food chain, and eventually repeated application of chemical fertilizers increase human and ecosystem (human health, floral and faunal diversity) health risks over the time. But mutualistic association with Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) increases the supply of nutrients and protect plants against pathogens and pest in exchange of carbon. In my project AMF strains and microbial suspension originating from naturally rich environment will be used to decode cannabis-AMF-soil microbiota communication and develop microbial hub networks linking cannabis and soil nutrients in better understanding of role of cannabis associated microbes. We will use high throughput assays for validating the utilization of AMF strain and microbe for better yield in cannabis aiming organic farming to keep the environment safe.

Faculty Supervisor:

Mohamed Hijri

Student:

Partner:

Cornell University

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Sustainability & the Environment; Agriculture and Food; Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

Université de Montréal

Program: