PhD course: Plant-microbe interactions - exploring microbes to improve crop productivity. (3 credits) at Makerere
University, Uganda 2014
Makerere Univ: Thomas Odong, Patrick RubaihayoSLU: Johan Meijer, Sarosh Bejai, Adnan Niazi
Subjects:Plant-microbe interactions or how can beneficial microorganisms compatible with crop plants be identified and further developed to support sustainable crop production by improving stress management & avoiding agrochemicals.
Pathogen Beneficial microbe(PGPB/PGPR)
HR-resistant plant(hypersensitive Priming (latent defense)
reaction) Growth promotion
SA stress abiotic-biotic (salicylic acid)
JA (jasmonic acid)
SAR – protection ISR - protection(PR-proteins) (?????????)
Nature Chemical Biology 5, 308 - 316 (2009)
Target group:• Students with an interest in (sustainable) crop production. • Suitable background agronomy, life sciences,... • Cross-over microbiology, plant biology, soil science, plant
pathology.• Some prior lab experience wih steril technique is advantageous.
Learning goals:• To know the basic concepts of plant-microbe interactions with
emphasis on beneficial interactions and how microbes can support crop production.
• A survey of state-of-the-art of tools and concepts are presented. • To develop strategies on how to develop and implement these
techniques into the participants specific projects and problems.
Teaching:
Read 9 papers before course with some questions provided -survey of the topic(1 poor quality)
Seminars (3 papers) - survey of the topic, quality discussion, exp design, knowledgegaps
Lectures - traditional - questions at coffee brakes
Practical x2 – wetlab + bioinformatics (computer/data bases)low cost: simple techniques, easy access data bases
Field trip study visit – farming scale - experimental
Group discussions – related to papers and generic potential/problems withbiocontrol (SWAT)
Exam-project presentation - Own pet subject + generic problem
Follow-up - SKYPE disucssion 1/3 months post course
Date Read 9 papers from the literature list.
Sun Arrival - get together in the evening
1
Mon
9-9.30 Introduction. Course outline. JM, PR, SB, TO
9.30-12 Student presentations (10-10.30 Break)
12-13 Lunch
13.00-14.30 Plants and biotic stress.
14.30-15 Break
15.00-16.30 Plants and abiotic stress.
2
Tue
8.30-10 Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions.
10-10.30 Break
10.30-12 Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria.
12-13 Lunch
13-14.30 Biocontrol agents.
14.30-15 Break
15-17 Paper discussion I. JM, PR, SB, TO
3
Wed 8.30-12 Practical. SB,JM
12-13 Lunch
13-14 Gene expression - techniques . XX
14-17 Practical. SB,JM
4
Thu 8.30-12 Practical. SB,JM
12-13 Lunch
13-14 Cell signaling, damage & death - techniques. XX
14-17 Practical. SB,JM
5 Fri 8.30-18 Excursion – field trip
6 Sat 9.00-16 Practical + Bioinformatics exercise I. AN,SB,JM,
13-15 Paper discussion 2. JM, PR, SB, TO
7Sun Not scheduled
8
Mon
8.30-10 Functional genomics.
10-10.30 Break
10.30-12 Bioinformatics.
12-13 Lunch
13-17 Bioinformatics exercise II. AN
9
Tue
8.30-11 Group exercise I. JM, PR, SB, TO
11-12 Group exercise I summary. JM, PR, SB, TO
13-15.30 Group exercise II. JM, PR, SB, TO
15.30-16.30 Group exercise II summary. JM, PR, SB, TO
10
Wed
8.30-10.30 Paper discussion 3. JM, PR, SB, TO
10.30-11 Break
11-12 Lab practical survey. JM, PR, SB, TO
12-13 Lunch
13.30-17 Prepare presentation.
18 Dinner
11
Thu
9 -12 Student presentations. JM, PR, SB, TO
12-13 Lunch
13-16 Student presentations. JM, PR, SB, TO
Course summary, course evaluation. JM, PR, SB, TO
Follow-up meetings: 1 + 3 months later
Remaining ?Harmonize learning objectives? Teaching resources?Computer connection (bioinformatics)?When can the course be given?Security issues?Health/disease issues?Interaction (mix people)?Follow-up - pressure or inspiration?