Baldcypress is a key species for coastal restoration, yet we know very little about its microbial communities. We are investigating how salinity from sea level rise influences the microbiome (bacteria and fungi) associated with baldcypress roots. In previous work, we have screened bacteria and fungi isolated from mangroves, smooth cordgrass and baldcypress for salt tolerance. After inoculating baldcypress seedlings with bacteria and fungi, we are challenging them with salt stress and comparing their performance to controls with freshwater. This work will result in a list of taxa that we can further investigate (i.e., in field trials) for improving the resilience of baldcypress plantings.
Our objective is to gain a better understanding of the longevity of inoculated salt tolerant bacteria in the roots of baldcypress trees, and how these symbionts influence seedling growth. We will test the hypothesis that a mixture of three salt-tolerant bacteria strains will improve baldcypress growth compared to controls, when challenged with saltwater.
Time, eligibility, and other details
| Expected workload | Students will set up a new experiment that tests how a mixture of three bacteria strains influence baldcypress growth. This project will involve growing bacteria, soaking the seedlings in bacteria, and planting the seedlings to monitor their growth over three weeks. The students will then take measurements on plant growth and reisolate the bacteria from plant roots. With the mentor’s help, the students will analyze the data and write a brief report. Students may make a research poster to present at Tulane’s research day. Twelve hours per week. |
| Skills required | All welcome |
| Who is eligible | All Ecology and Evolutionary Biology students |
| Core partners | N/A |
| Sponsoring party | Faculty |
| Volunteer, Paid, or Credit-eligible? | CREDIT-eligible |
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