Valeria Moreno Heredia

PGPRGs are plant growth promoting rhizobacteria that live in the soil and can promote plant growth or elicit antibacterial effects against pathogenic bacteria. I am exploring the biocontrol potential of some of these rhizobacterial strains to treat plant diseases such as Cacao black pod rot, and Rice blast. These diseases are caused by the pathogens Phytophthora palmivora and Pyricularia Oryzae, respectively. They have worldwide importance and are of especial interest to me as they affect two of the key crops in my country (Ecuador). I am also focusing on Bacterial speck, a disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae in tomato. Previous research carried out in this lab identified promising bacteria able to reduce disease symptoms, so my focus is on optimizing the application of biocontrol control.