Call for applications – Master Thesis --- Diversity of root colonisation by symbiotic fungi in mays

Problem: • Arbuscular mycorrhiza is a very common symbiosis between fungi of the phylum Glomeromycotina and land plants, which increases the supply of nutrients and the water absorption of the plant. • In previous experiments it could be shown that the rate of establishment of arbuscular mycorrhiza and the colonization strength vary depending on the maize genotype. • To understand the molecular basis for this genotype-dependent variation, a panel of maize lines will now be characterized in detail. • Based on previous results, the relationship between the beginning, development and strength of colonization to measurable growth parameters is particularly interesting. • This experiment lays the foundation for subsequently identifying the underlying genetic elements in maize and making them available for maize breeding. Your task: • Planning and implementation of a large greenhouse experiment • Phenotypic characterization by measuring growth parameters • Fluorescence-based photosynthesis measurements • Quantitative analysis of the architecture of root systems using image analysis of root scans • Quantification of root colonization by AM fungi using microscopy • Evaluation and statistical analysis of the collected data with R Conditions: • Start possible from March 2020 (last possible start date July 2020) • Possibility to combine the master thesis with a research internship Scientific supervision: Prof. Dr. Caroline Gutjahr, E-Mail: caroline.gutjahr@tum.de Project contact: Florian Berger (supervising PhD student), E-Mail: florian.berger@tum.de