Hosted by the KAUST Garden Society, this seminar features Prof. Daniele Daffonchio discussing the “Microbial Terroir” of agro-ecosystems and its critical role in enhancing fruit quality, boosting plant resilience, and promoting carbon sequestration. Learn how plant microbiomes support sustainable agriculture and resilience in the face of climate change.

Event Details 

• Date: Tuesday, November 19
• Time: 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
• Location: Community Hub at Discovery Square
• Speaker: Prof. Daniele Daffonchio, Professor of Bioscience, KAUST

Title

The Agro-Ecosystem “Microbial Terroir” promotes fruit quality, plant resilience against stresses and carbon sequestration 

Abstract

Microorganisms (microbiomes) are essential for living multicellular organisms, including animals and plants. Different microorganisms are associated to the different organs and compartments of plants and provide physiological and ecological services that contributed to shaping host evolution and domestication. Plant microbiome is also increasingly emerging as a factor that contributes to the quality of the agricultural products. 

In this seminar the concept of “Microbial Terroir” is discussed in the light of the quality of fruit, the capacity of microorganisms of relieving host’s stresses and saving resources and enhancing the stock of carbon in the agroecosystem, all features to be incentivized to combat the dramatic effects of the changing climate.    

CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY