Karim de Benoit
Master in biogeosciences
karim.debenoit@unine.ch
Research areas Soil ecology
Main themes
- Earthworms as vectors for microbial dispersal in soil
- Integration of earthworms in biocontrol systems
Project
Earthworms are known for their central role in soil structuring and micro-organism dispersal. This project focuses on the role of the epigeic worm Eisenia fetida in the dispersal and survival of an encapsulated microbial consortium intended for biocontrol of a fungal phytopathogen (Rhizoctonia sp.). It follows on from two previous Master’s theses on the ability of E. fetida to disperse microbes. The main objective is to assess whether this earthworm facilitates or hinders the dissemination of encapsulated agents to the rhizosphere of host plants, and to qualify its contribution to the biocontrol system. The system will be studied in microcosms containing an unsterilized organic substrate to which worms may or may not be added, and the samples will be analyzed using qPCR. The project includes several preliminary steps aimed at verifying capsule germination, the survival of micro-organisms in the worm’s digestive tract, and their interaction with the substrate and a host plant. Ultimately, these results will make it possible to assess the potential of E. fetida as a biocontrol vector in unsterilized soil, with a view to sustainable agriculture.
