Dissecting microbiome-dependent crop traits: From reductionist models to field-scale complexity

October 08, 2025

Location

Online

Presenters

Manuel Kleiner
North Carolina State University, USA

Onyemaechi “Henry” Obiazikwor
University of Benin, Nigeria

Outline

Understanding how microbiomes influence plant health and productivity is crucial for developing sustainable agricultural management strategies. However, the complexity and context-dependency of microbial effects on plant traits present significant challenges for researchers and product developers. This webinar highlights two contrasting yet complementary approaches to microbiome research: reductionist studies using synthetic microbial communities and field-based investigations in complex agricultural systems.

The first talk examines how simplified systems can reveal fundamental mechanisms of microbe-host interactions. Using metaproteomics, Dr. Manuel Kleiner’s lab studies the metabolic and physiological adaptations of seven maize root-associated bacterial species grown in vitro and in planta, uncovering both conserved and species-specific functions that drive microbial niche specialization in the root environment.

The second talk, presented by Dr. Onyemaechi Henry Obiazikwor, shifts to the complexities of real-world field conditions, showcasing how commercially available biological products, including live microbes, organic acids, and fish-seaweed fertilizer, influence tomato crop yield and soil microbiomes. These field trials highlight the challenges of translating lab-based research into agricultural practice and the importance of understanding seasonal and farm environmental variability.

Together, these talks provide a unique perspective on how different experimental scales and approaches can be leveraged to understand and utilize the plant microbiome for enhancing crop production.