Are genetically modified potatoes environmentally safe? (Alleen Engelse tekst)

In this project we investigate the possible effects that genetically modified potatoes might have on soil microorganisms, in particular fungi. Fungi play an important role in the decomposition of soil organic matter and in the nutrition of plants. Hence, a negative effect of GM plants on soil fungi is undesirable. Different functional groups of fungi are identified and investigated with molecular biological techniques (mainly q-PCR and T-RFLP) for greenhouse grown potatoes. The aim of the project is to set a baseline of normal variation in the effects that potato cultivars have in Dutch soils (between growth stages, years and fields) and assess how GM-potatoes might affect the system differently. If you would like to do an internship in this project, different topics are available.

Examples of possible topics:

• Effects of different fungal and microbial groups presence (or absence) on soil functioning and plant growth (greenhouse experiment)
• Carbon flow in the rhizosphere of the GM-potato and the importance of root exudation from the plant to the fungal communities (greenhouse experiment)
• Development of methods to investigate the AMF (Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi) colonization of the roots (greenhouse experiment). Are there differences between different genotypes (cultivars) of potato in their association with these important fungi?
• Interactions between different (functional) fungal groups in soils (greenhouse).
• Methods to study fungal community functioning in the soils. Combination of fingerprinting and functional analyses (molecular biology lab).

Also other ideas for topics are welcome.

Duration
Minimal duration 2 months. The experiments can be conducted any time.

Location
Heteren

For further information
Emilia Hannula, e-mail: e.hannula@nioo.knaw.nl