EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI ON POTASSIUM ACQUISITION AND DROUGHT TOLERANCE IN COTTON

The goals of this project are to (1) gather conclusive evidence that AMF can transfer K to cotton plants, including under drought condition; (2) contribute to a better understanding of the significance of the symbiotic K transport for cottonperformanceduring well-watered and water-limited conditions; (3) identify the plant molecular mechanisms and fungal microbiome involved in fungal K uptake and transport to the host; and (4) contribute to the development of novel agricultural practices towards crop productivity and resilience at low nutrient and water availabilities.