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Romika Shrestha

Candidature

PhD Candidate

Thesis title

Microbiome Management: Leveraging advances in microbiome research to deliver cost-effective tools to boost resilience and productivity of pines throughout their production lifecycle

Research project

Romika ShresthaPines, native to the Northern Hemisphere, are widely planted in tropical and Southern regions due to their economic significance in the softwood industry. In Australia, Pinus radiata and Southern pine (a Pinus caribaea x Pinus elliotti hybrid) account for 75% and 15% of total softwood plantation areas, respectively. However, successful establishment of pines outside of their native habitat largely depends on their symbiotic relationship with soilborne ectomycorrhizal fungi, which mobilize nutrients and provide protection against stresses. Most fungal symbionts have not established in Australia due to soil and climatic variables. This has slowed down the timber productions in Australia and left pine forests susceptible to common diseases. One approach to promote plant growth is by introducing beneficial microbes into pine seedling production at the nursery stage under conditions that they will establish on the host root system and benefit the tree following planting in the field. First, however, identifying the core microbiome supporting pine growth in Australia is crucial. Following this, tailored synthetic microbial communities (i.e., ‘SynComs’) can be created consisting of desired microbes that can significantly influence pine health and contribute to longer-term productivity.
The aim of my research is to address the knowledge gap in the structure and relative proportion of microbial communities that are interacting and supporting the health, resilience, and stability of exotic pines (Pinus radiata and Southern pine). This PhD project seeks to explore the role of beneficial microbes in improving pine health and sustainability in containerized nursery settings and natural environments. It will identify and isolate fungi and bacteria supporting pine growth, test the SynCom approach's effectiveness in promoting healthy pine growth in containers, and determine if SynCom can be applied in natural settings while preserving beneficial mycorrhizal fungi. The project will also investigate nutrient exchange within the root system using stable and radioactive tracers.
This project's findings can enhance sustainable pine management practices, boost productivity, and promote a greener industry by reducing fertilizer use, lowering emissions, and aligning with Australia's sustainability goals.


Supervisors

A/Prof Jonathan M Plett, Prof Jeff Powell, Dr Jamil Chowdhury