CO-FUNDED BY THE FONDS QUÉBÉCOIS DE LA RECHERCHE SUR LA NATURE ET LE LES TECHNOLOGIES (FRQNT)
Plants harbour distinct communities of beneficial root microbes and release unique phytochemical tools from roots to improve functions such as nutrients acquisition and stress tolerance. Recent discoveries made by researchers at the Université de Montréal exploring root microbiomes and root exuded phytochemicals using advanced technologies suggest that these natural tools can be shared between crops for complementary growth in polyculture.
The PERFORM project objective is to demonstrate that crops grown together in polyculture, and can benefit from the shared function of phytochemicals released from their roots as well as beneficial root microbes. The project will partner with the Department of National Defence with the Canadian Forces as well as Lufa Farms to demonstrate the proof-of-concept that willow trees, soybeans and tomatoes can share specific root function for resilience against contaminated soils and improved production in hydroponic systems.
Advanced genomic technologies and an improved understanding beneficial root microbes and exuded phytochemicals in crops can play an essential role in protecting the environment, improve food security and contribute to positioning Québec as an international leader in plants genomics.
Genome Centre: Génome Québec
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| Caroline | Salabria | Lufa Farms |