Drought and salt stress are the main global factors that reduce the average yield of most major crops. In order to meet global demands, we will need to double food production by 2050 (Tilman, Balzer, Hill, & Befort, 2011). Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) are a group of bacteria that alleviate the harmful effects of abiotic stresses such as salt, heat and drought stress on plants and decrease the global dependence on hazardous agricultural chemicals. We identified that beneficial microbes isolated from desert plants (indigfera argentea) from Jizan region, in 2012 enhance the tolerance of a variety of crop plants to drought and salt stresses under laboratory conditions and in field trials. We analyzed the interaction of these bacteria with the plants by genetic, biochemical and imaging techniques. The goal of this dissertation is to ultimately improve our understanding of the mechanisms of drought and salt stress tolerance conferred by beneficial microbes that can be used as a sustainable solution for plants and crops in degrading lands (deserts) and land affected by abiotic stresses. Outlines how each of chapter of this dissertation will contribute to the discovery of novel drought and salt stress tolerance strategies using a desert-specific bacterial endophyte.
Date of Award | Jan 2022 |
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Original language | English (US) |
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Awarding Institution | - Biological, Environmental Sciences and Engineering
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Supervisor | Heribert Hirt (Supervisor) |
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- climate change
- Drought stress
- Water use efficiency
- Microbiome
- Beneficial bacteria
- Aquaporins