Symbiosis and biostimulants

During this module, the differences and similarities between beneficial interactions and pathogenic interactions are explored. A significant part of the course is devoted to understanding the mechanisms involved in beneficial interactions (mycorrhizae, symbiotic bacteria, PGPR, etc.) and their potential for improving agricultural practices.   Another important part of the course concerns regulations surrounding certification and experimentation with biostimulants and biocontrol products.

Examples of external speakers:

• Karine GROSBEAU (Eléphant vert): Regulations concerning biostimulants/biocontrol products

Two visits

• Green elephant tour: bacterial inoculum production
• Visit to Staphyt: testing of biocontrol products, GLP, GMP, and CEB

A practical assignment in which students have three sessions to conduct an experiment testing the effect of PGPR on wheat growth under a variety of conditions. Students must phenotype the plants, perform biochemical assays (sugar, nitrogen, chlorophyll, etc.) and measure enzyme activities (catalase, nitrate reductase, etc.).

Knowledge

• Have basic knowledge of beneficial microorganisms in order to conduct an experiment in biostimulation/biocontrol.
• Know the rules for experimenting with biocontrol products (stimulation)
• Knowing the rules for the approval of biocontrol products (stimulation)

Know-how

• Having experimented with a biostimulant
• Having practiced phenotyping
• Know how to perform a biochemical assay and measure enzyme activity.
• Knowing how to implement a protocol based on the equipment and methods described in a scientific publication

Hourly volumes:

            CM: 15

            TD: 15

            Land: 6

• basics of microbiology,
• basics on plant/microorganism interactions

Recommended prerequisites:

• fundamentals of laboratory techniques