The Influence of Invasive Species on Host-Associated Microbiomes

Cluster of Excellence Work Package: WP 1.2

Duration of contract: 4 years 
Planned starting date: ASAP 
Place of work: University of Vienna/AIT
Main supervisor: Jillian Petersen and Angela Sessitsch
Supervision team: Matthias Horn

Project description:

A number of plants are part of a “blacklist” of invasive species in Europe. The plants of the “blacklist” are considered to have the capacity to change natural environments, influence native vegetations and displace native plant species. In central Europe the most aggressive invasive plants include the knotweed species Fallopia (Reynoutria) japonica (Japanese knotweed) and F. sachalinensis (Sakhalin knotweed) (EPPO Lists of Invasive Alien Plants, 2023). The reason for the success and invasiveness of Fallopia spp. is associated with its clonal propagation and by its capacity to produce a number of secondary phenolic compounds with potential allelopathic activities (Martin et al., 2020, NeoBiota 56: 89-110; Stefanowicz et al., 2021, Sci Total Environ. 767:145439). These phenolic compounds including condensed tannins, catechin, chlorogenic acid, emodin and others and might be part of the reason for the reduction of total fungal (25%) and bacterial (30%) biomass reduction. Other studies suggest an overall increase of bacterial diversity in plant microbiomes, especially in environments with allelopathic compounds produced by invasive plant species (Torres et al. 2021, BMC Ecol Evo 21, 172). Other invasive species with strong allelopathic compound production but distinct reproduction strategy include Impatiens glandulifera (Himalayan balsam), where the phenolic naphtoquinones play an important role (Block et al., 2019, Plant Direct 3: e00132).

The PhD student will perform the following tasks: 

·        Assess whether invasive plants have specific rhizosphere, endophytic or epiphytic microbiomes

·        Assess whether there are specific functions associated with these microorganisms, including high adaption to the invasive species or metabolization of the allelopathic substances

·        Assess whether the microbiome plays a role in the shaping of the invasive character and negative influence on other plants

·        Assess whether there are selective pressures shaping the plant microbiome


Apply here https://weblogin.univie.ac.at/idp/profile/SAML2/POST/SSO?execution=e2s1

How to apply  https://microplanet.at/howtoapply

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