J. Cumming Plant Physiology Lab at WVU

J. Cumming Plant Physiology Lab at WVU Research includes assessment of the metabolic bases of Al resistance and P efficiency in poplar, and stability of Al resistance in AM fungi.

Soil stresses play critical roles controlling the structure, function, and productivity of ecosystems worldwide. Work in the Cumming Lab focuses on soil stress resistances in plants and the role of soil mycorrhizal fungi in moderating plant response to soils. Of the major soil stresses, soil acidity limits plant productivity on 50% of the world’s arable land due to phytotoxic aluminum (Al) concent

rations and limited phosphorus (P) availability. With increasing world demand for food, fuel, and fiber, identification of stress-resistant plant genotypes will facilitate food production, the production of biofuels feedstocks, and aid in reclamation of such soils. Mycorrhizal fungi form near ubiquitous associations with plants and aid in the acquisition of soil nutrients by roots and increase the stress resistance of their host plants. The mechanisms behind these benefits include enhanced ion uptake efficiency and the production of compounds, such as organic acids and more complex molecules such as glomalin that alter chemical equilibria in the rhizosphere. The complex interactions between mycorrhizal fungi, their plant hosts, and soil chemical stresses are the focus of much of the activity in my group. Current research projects include assessment of the metabolic bases of Al resistance and P efficiency in poplar, stability of Al resistance in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and the diversity and genetic stability of stress resistance traits in mycorrhizal fungi. Research in the Cumming Lab integrates molecular, biochemical, whole plant, and field approaches to elucidate the mechanisms of plant responses to abiotic environmental stresses.

This summer, the Root Lab started a new collaboration with Dr. Jingjing Liang in Forestry at WVU. Phil Crim (outstandin...
08/18/2015

This summer, the Root Lab started a new collaboration with Dr. Jingjing Liang in Forestry at WVU. Phil Crim (outstanding in the field, below) is evaluating soil enzyme activity in developing soils in the Stand Initiation and Diversity Experiment (SIDE). There are 182 plots containing 15,342 trees in various combinations. We are awaiting the answer to the question: "Is it the trees or the microbes that drive nutrient cycling and succession?"

Fungus and bacteria !!!
02/24/2015

Fungus and bacteria !!!

01/01/2015
Chile and Acidic SoilsSouthern Chile is a region of historically intense active volcanoes. The ash and lava flows from ...
12/30/2014

Chile and Acidic Soils

Southern Chile is a region of historically intense active volcanoes. The ash and lava flows from these have created acidic, andesitic soils that have high P fixing capacity, creating challenges (and opportunities) for plants.

The Universidad de la Frontera in Temuco hosted a Symposium of Soil, Plant and Microorganism in November, and Dr. Cu***ng had the opportunity to present a talk on Tripartite Symbioses and taught a class on Rhizosphere Processes.

While in Chile, Dr. Cu***ng and compadres toured the Chiloé region and took in marvelous sites, great food, botanized some of the unique environments in the region.

From the greenhouse to field sites, it was an eventful year in the Cu***ng Lab!
12/27/2014

From the greenhouse to field sites, it was an eventful year in the Cu***ng Lab!

Address

53 Campus Drive, Life Sciences Building
Morgantown, WV
26506

Telephone

+13042935260

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when J. Cumming Plant Physiology Lab at WVU posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The University

Send a message to J. Cumming Plant Physiology Lab at WVU:

Shortcuts

Share

Category