Thesis supervisor: Zsuzsanna Ördögné Dr. habil. Kolbert
co-supervisor: Gábor Feigl
Location of studies (in Hungarian): Department of Plant Biology, University of Szeged Abbreviation of location of studies: SzTE
Description of the research topic:
Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can directly influence plant development through the regulation of phytohormones (e.g. auxin, ethylene). During the regulation of root architecture, phytohormones interact with nitric oxide (NO) signal molecule. However, the role of NO and its interactions with hormones during PGPR-induced root growth are mostly unknown. The PhD project aims to examine the role of NO and its hormonal interplay during root development induced by growth promoting rhizobacteria. Many PGPR bacteria themselves are capable of accumulating heavy metals and can increase the phytoextraction capacity of the plant partner. The PhD student will examine the effect of PGPR strains both on heavy metal-induced growth inhibition and on NO-related nitrosative stress processes in crops.
Required language skills: English, intermediate level Recommended language skills (in Hungarian): English, intermediate level Number of students who can be accepted: 1