Inhibition of plant and human pathogens for the protection of food crops through enhancement of rhizosphere microbial communities

The overarching objective of the proposed research is to identify conditions which support a competitive and resilient microbial community within crop-based rhizospheres in the face of a changing climate which may enhance pathogen persistence. This broader objective will be addressed through the following sub-objectives: 1. Establish detailed microbial community and pathogen profiles within rhizosphere soil and associated crop plants. 2. Examine the impact of longer periods of both high and low temperature exposure on the persistence of pathogens, as well as the stability of the beneficial microbial community in controlled mesocosm and batch experiments. 3. Examine the impact of varying nutrient loads, imposed by lower water qualities, on pathogen persistence and microbial consortia stability. 4. To investigate these parameters at larger, field scale, under less controlled naturally-occurring conditions, to confirm and expand upon the baseline findings.