AQUAPEALTH: Harnessing soilless microbial communities to enhance plant health across different cultivation systems

Recent advancements in microbial biocontrol agents (BCAs) have significantly contributed to integrated pest management (IPM) in soil-based systems, but their application in soilless cultivation systems remains underexplored. This project will investigate the microbial consortia and root exudates involved in plant disease suppression by studying infected lettuce grown in hydroponics and aquaponics. It will also explore the potential of microbial isolates from aquaponics and hydroponics to act against plant pathogens, promote plant growth, and withstand fluctuating temperatures typical of cultivation systems.

The best-performing candidates will be identified, and their effectiveness will be compared with commercial BCAs and fungicides in various cultivation systems. Using advanced methodologies such as whole genome sequencing, metabarcoding, and comparative genomics, the project seeks to optimize IPM strategies for soilless systems and other cultivation systems in general. AQUAPEALTH emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating knowledge from fish rearing, plant growth, microbiology, and bioinformatics. Open science practices will ensure that research data are accessible and shared widely.