Center for Plant Molecular Biology

African-German Scientific Exchange in the Field of Sustainable Intensification of Agriculture

This project is supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) under the framework of the African-German Scientific Exchange in the Field of Sustainable Intensification of Agriculture. Additional financial support has been provided through Start-up funding for joint projects on Africa by the Universities of Hohenheim and Tübingen.

Reducing Iron Toxicity in Rice Through Microbial Interactions

This collaborative project between our lab, the University of Hohenheim (Folkard Asch and Tanja Winand), and the Laboratoire des RadioIsotopes at Université d'Antananarivo, Madagascar (collaborators Razafimbelo Tantely, Andriamananjara Andry, and Toavintsoa Rajonandraina), focuses on enhancing rice resilience to iron toxicity through plant-microbiome interactions. Iron toxicity is a widespread issue in rice production across several regions in Africa, including parts of West Africa and Madagascar. High soil iron concentrations, often due to acidic soils and poor drainage, can harm plant tissues, stunting growth and reducing yields. By exploring the microbiome associated with different rice genotypes, we aim to identify microbial communities that can help rice plants mitigate iron toxicity stress naturally.

Project Goals

The project is centered around three main objectives:

  1. Investigate Genotype-Specific Microbiomes in Iron-Toxic Environments
    Examine the rhizosphere, root, and leaf microbiomes of various rice genotypes under iron-toxic and non-toxic conditions, focusing on identifying microbes that contribute to iron tolerance.
  2. Isolate and Characterize Microbes with Iron-Detoxifying Abilities
    Isolate key microbes from rice plants grown in iron-toxic environments, studying their role in reducing iron bioavailability and enhancing plant health under iron stress.
  3. Develop Applications for Microbial Iron Tolerance in Agriculture
    Test isolated strains in controlled environments to assess their potential as microbial inoculants for iron-stressed rice plants, paving the way for sustainable, nature-based crop protection strategies.

Research Focus and Key Findings

1. Genotype-Dependent Microbial Diversity
This area explores how different rice genotypes recruit specific microbial communities under iron stress, contributing to their tolerance levels.

  • Preliminary Findings: Field sampling in Madagascar has revealed unique microbial communities associated with various rice genotypes, with potential microbial indicators linked to iron-tolerant and sensitive plants. These initial results indicate that specific microbes may play a role in buffering plants against iron toxicity, with promising strains showing iron-detoxifying traits​.

2. Isolation and Testing of Functional Microbes
Key microbial isolates are being analyzed for their effectiveness in reducing iron bioavailability and improving plant health.

  • Preliminary Findings: Preliminary studies identified bacterial taxa potentially associated with iron tolerance mechanisms, such as iron oxidation and nutrient support, which are now being tested for their ability to improve rice resilience under iron stress.

3. Application of Microbiome Solutions for Iron Toxicity
This work package aims to create microbial inoculants that can be applied in fields affected by iron toxicity.

  • Approach: Through experimental trials, the project will assess how inoculating rice plants with specific iron-tolerant microbes can reduce iron toxicity symptoms and improve yield, providing an accessible, low-cost solution for smallholder farmers.

Innovative Approach

This project combines traditional agronomy, microbiome research, and applied microbiology to explore sustainable solutions for crop resilience. The focus on field-based sampling in Madagascar and on-site collaborations provides a real-world understanding of how microbial solutions can be integrated into local agricultural practices.

Significance and Future Impact

The findings from this project are expected to contribute to sustainable rice cultivation in Madagascar and other regions facing iron toxicity. By identifying and applying beneficial microbes, we aim to offer a low-cost, natural solution that enhances crop resilience, contributing to food security and agricultural sustainability.