MSc thesis · Root-associated fungi and bacteria of invasive Rosa rugosa

Biodiversity Lab and Prof. Lucia Muggia’s group (Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste) invite expressions of interest for a Master’s thesis on the root-associated microbiome of the alien plant Rosa rugosa. Root material from previous field collections is already available in frozen storage.

The proposed laboratory work would start with the available root samples, develop an appropriate DNA-extraction and molecular-characterisation workflow and assess root-associated fungal and bacterial assemblages. Depending on sample suitability, protocols and laboratory capacity, marker-gene sequencing (for example ITS for fungi and 16S rRNA for bacteria) may be considered; this is not a commitment to whole-genome sequencing.

A broader comparative objective is to investigate whether fungi, including potential mycorrhizal associates, and bacteria differ between the plant’s native and introduced ranges. Such comparisons require suitable reference material or comparable published datasets and depend on data availability. The final protocol, sequencing scope and timetable will be agreed with supervisors and the student.

The thesis combines invasion ecology, plant–microbe interactions, laboratory molecular techniques, bioinformatics and ecological community analysis. There is currently no fixed application deadline. The opportunity will be marked as assigned when a student is selected and subsequently connected to that student’s thesis profile.

Field and botanical photographs.

Who is this for?

MSc students interested in plant invasions, fungal ecology, microbial communities, molecular techniques and biodiversity data analysis, subject to programme and supervision arrangements.

How to get in touch

Email Giovanni Bacaro with your programme, background in molecular biology/ecology, a short motivation and preferred thesis start date. Please use “Rosa rugosa MSc thesis” in the subject.