MultiStress_DAAD

Impact of concurrent abiotic and biotic stress on below-ground processes at the root-soil interface - DAAD Steven Senabulya

01/10/2025 to 30/09/2028

Currently, the global population is facing a widening gap in food insecurity. Global changes leading to abiotic and biotic stress have caused a decline in crop resources. Advanced knowledge is required to breed crops with genetic plasticity to the exacerbating climatic conditions. This study intends to improve the scientific foundation in plant breeding leading to the development of resilient maize varieties that can tolerate single and concurrent biotic and abiotic stress. Through systematic studies in the greenhouse, detailed below-ground phenotyping, and novel root/rhizosphere traits analysis for maize genotypes responses to stress(es) will be investigated. Phenotypic and genotypic data via mRNA sequencing will be linked to identify key stress-tolerance genes among the hybrids. Precise phenotyping and resource use quantification will support novel crop modeling routines that enhance crops' response to concurrent multiple stresses.