Antimicrobial compound discovery from plant-associated bacteria

Soil bacteria associated with the rhizosphere of plants will be tested for their ability to inhibit the growth of plant pathogens. Bacteria producing antimicrobial compounds will then be identified by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Antimicrobial peptides can be further characterised by in gel pathogen inhibition assays followed by N-terminal sequencing. Suitable for Science and Biotech students.

Expected outcomes: Identification of plant pathogen-inhibiting bacteria and possibly their antimicrobial peptides.

Supervisor: Professor Peer Schenk