The hidden potential of the seed microbiome: How does the seed microbiome shape seed performance and plant drought resilience?

Plants grow in interaction with microbes in order to survive. These microbes can enter the next plant generation of the plant via the seed. The main research questions of this project are 1) to determine whether plant genetics and seed characteristics affect the recruitment of microbes, 2) to identity microbes that contribute to seed and plant performance in drought stress and 3) to understand the mechanisms underlying these beneficial plant-microbe interactions. Overall, this research contributes to improving seed and plant performance in a changing environment.