MULTI-OMICS AND SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY APPROACHES FOR EXPLORING AND EXPLOITING RHIZOSPHERE MICROBIAL ECOLOGY IN IPOMOEA BATATAS

The purpose of this project is to improve the production of sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) for U.S. agriculture by understanding their response to phosphorus limitations. In addition, this project will facilitate the independence of the project director and provide essential experience in project management, science communication, and team building. The major goals that support this purpose include:Using the current skills of the project director on issues relevant to U.S. agricultureTraining personnel in molecular biology, synthetic biology, and collaboration skillsDeveloping pathways for undergraduates to gain research experience.The objectives that will achieve these goals include:Determining needs and barriers for sweet potato production by rural and urban farmers.Developing experimental plans for the major research aims in conjunction with key personnel such as mentors and collaborators. The major research aims are (1) Identify the structure and function of Ipomoea batatas rhizosphere microbial community at the fibrous to storage root transition under normal and stress conditions (2) Isolate and improve plant-growth-promoting properties of microorganisms associated with sweet potatoes (3) Quantify horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of the gcd gene - a gene important for phosphorus solubilization - under normal and low-phosphorus conditions in sweet potato microbiome.Collecting and analyzing experimental data with the help of paid undergraduate researchers.Documenting the scientific research process and sharing it with a broad audience to encourage transparency and interest in research.Disseminating results through peer-reviewed publications, popular media, and scientific conferences.