Sibu Simon

Multi-disciplinary approach in strigolactone research to battle crop infestation by parasitic Striga sp.

Host Institution: CEITEC, Masaryk University
Country of Origin: India

TOPIC OF MY RESEARCH:

I work with relatively newly identified plant hormone called ‘strigolactones’. In addition to their hormonal property it is promoting beneficial symbiosis between plants and AM fungi. It also acts as a seed germination stimulant of crop parasitic plant Striga species which causes significantly high rate of crop loss in African region.

WHY I HAVE CHOSEN THE TOPIC:

There are multiple reasons to work on this topic. First of all it is a new plant hormone and there are many things yet to be explored to further characterize its hormonal property. Another reason is, knowledge generated in this topic could have an impact in agriculture in terms of generating crop verities with enhanced symbiotic potential with AM fungi and also results may be utilized to find a solution to eradicate Striga infestation.

USE OF THE PROJECT RESULTS IN PRACTICE:

The possible immediate application we are expecting from my research is a solution for Striga infestation. Part of my research is focusing to develop strigolactone analogues which could be used as a suicide germination stimulant of plant parasite Striga seeds which will help to deplete the Striga seed bank in soil.

WHY SOMOPRO:

SoMoPro fellowship is a well-designed program which offers very good administrative and financial support. Personally it is a great opportunity for me to come and stay in this beautiful country for a second term. For my career, I consider this fellowship as transition period to become an independent researcher enjoying the flexibility provided by the program.

You can read more about the project here.