Miranda Hart
University of British Columbia Okanagan
Miranda Hart is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of British Columbia-Okanagan with a research focus on microbial ecology of soil microbes in applied systems. She has done extensive work on the use of biofertilizers and cover crops in viticultural systems. She uses molecular approaches to understand how agricultural practices change soil microbial communities, and how these changes are reflected in plant performance. She has authored more 150 publications and currently serves as Editor in Chief for Current Research in Microbial Science (Elsevier)
Abstract:
Fungal Invasion Through Biofertilizers
The use of fungal biofertilizers is common place, yet we lack data on how they affect ecosystems. Commercial inoculants may pose a threat to local fungal communities, which may not be resistant to alien introductions. Recent work on. AMF genetics and biology suggest that isolate level changes in AMF communities could lead to ecosystem level changes. Unfortunately, long term data on the fate and effects of commercial fungal inoculants and their effects of ecosystems are lacking. I will discuss recent progress, gaps in our knowledge about inoculum spread and discuss steps needed to work towards best practices.
My Sessions
Welcome
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Opening
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Fungal invasion through biofertilizers
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Auditorium