Some beneficial plant associated fungi house bacteria inside their cells which impact fungal and plant health. Recent studies show that some fungal endosymbionts manipulate reproduction of their hosts, and may influence plant ecosystems. This project focuses on endosymbionts and fungal reproduction, expanding knowledge on the complexities of microbiome interactions. These fungi are industrially important because they produce valuable lipid products. Our goal is to learn about optimal conditions for fungal health and apply that knowledge to increase crop health and produce alternative energies.
Proposer: Jessie Uehling, University of California, Berkeley
Proposal: Evaluating the role of fungal endosymbionts in fungal mating and evolution