Variovorax: Plant Growth Promoters

   

ABOUT ME 

Hi! Thank you for being here. My name is Akshaya Jayakarunakaran. I am a first-generation college student from Sri Lanka. I am a second-year with a major in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology and a minor in Biomedical Research at UCLA. I am currently an undergraduate researcher at the Hirsch lab at UCLA, where we research plant/ environmental biology.

INTRODUCTORY VIDEO

ABSTRACT

A Remedy for our Ailing Soils: Two Variovorax strains with potential for Plant Growth Promotion

Chemical fertilizers and pesticides contribute to climate change and environmental pollution and are detrimental to soil and food health. Hence, the need for more sustainable alternatives for plant growth enhancement is vital. Naturally occurring bacteria are known to enhance plant growth and protect them from disease, and thus are a potential replacement for growth-promoting chemical additives. Towards that goal, we are investigating whether V. boronicumulans NODS101 and V. paradoxus NODS102 can effectively support plant growth. First, we determined whether these bacteria have genes or exhibit properties that are associated with plant growth promotion, and examined the microbial genomes for evidence to support these properties. We performed a literature review for papers on Variovorax to guide us in analyzing the novel Variovorax strains under investigation. Later, to investigate whether the PGP genes are expressed, we conducted various assays, which if positive, are indicators of plant growth promotion. Finally, the bacteria were inoculated with chickpeas to test plant growth effects directly. Gene annotations together with the physiological assays indicate that these Variovorax strains have genes related to abiotic stress, siderophore production, phosphate solubilization, catalase, and ACC deaminase activity. Literature review leads us to conclude that the Variovorax strains potential bioremediation activity, and both strains grow in acidic and alkaline environments. Based on our studies, it is likely that these bacteria could be used commercially as a more sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers.

PRESENTATION SLIDES

The link to my presentation slides is below. If you are experiencing any issues accessing the slides, please let me know by commenting below.

Presentation slides link