The research project of the "Plant health: defence and mycorrhiza" team is based around 3 main themes::

1°Understanding biotic interactions,

Particular emphasis is placed on the study of signalling events associated with plant immunity in plant-microorganism interactions (PMIs) and the functioning of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis (AMS):

• The plasma membrane is involved in plant cell signalling cascades and could be the basis of immunity. In this context, we are studying (i) the distribution of certain components (mainly lipids, with a particular focus on sterols) within or between each of the two membrane layers, (ii) their role in membrane organisation and (iii) their dynamics in MPIs. This last point is already the subject of a cross-disciplinary project initiated within the team. This project will be based on a unique plant model and aims to describe the rearrangements, exchanges and intra- and inter-membrane interactions in various MPIs.
• At the cellular and molecular level, our work focuses on the identification and functional characterisation of players in the cellular signalling pathways mobilised during the immune response in plants. More specifically, we are studying the role of nitric oxide (NO), in particular through the structural and functional study of algal nitric oxide synthases and proteins regulated by S-nitrosation, an NO-dependent post-translational modification. In parallel, we are studying the behaviour of players in the UPS (Ubiquitin Proteasome System), focusing in particular on the functional analysis of CDC48, a protein with ATPase activity that plays a central role in controlling protein homeostasis and is mobilised in particular during plant immunity.
• During IPM, the plant cell undergoes severe stress to the endoplasmic reticulum, which unbalances cellular homeostasis. The UPR (Unfolded Protein Response) signalling pathways, whose primary objective is to restore homeostasis, are also involved in plant immunity. Our work focuses on the functional characterisation of these pathways during pathogenic or mutualistic IPM.
• AMS improves plant growth, fitness and immunity. The nature and quality of these services depend on the efficiency of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) x plant interaction. In this context, we are mainly studying the capacity of different strains and species of AMF to absorb water and nutrients available in the soil, and to transfer them to the plant at root level. We will therefore continue our work on the identification and characterisation of new transport systems in AMFs and plants at the biotrophic interface in order to contribute to a better understanding of the functioning of the AMS.
• The mycelial networks formed by CMAs connect the roots of plants of the same or different species. The nature and intensity of water and nutrient flows between plants during their development cycle are still poorly understood. In this context, we will continue our studies on plant-plant interactions via mycelial networks from the cellular scale to the scale of the whole plant.

2° Biodiversity and biotic interactions

Our work focuses on the holobiont, the biological entity made up of the host plant and all its microorganisms with which the plant interacts and establishes a dialogue. We are studying positive and negative MPIs in the context of decline (e.g. vines), during comparisons of cropping itineraries (e.g. walnut) or during the use of microorganisms such as AMFs, which provide services such as bioprotection, biostimulation and biofertilisation (e.g. potatoes). We are studying PMIs using molecular tools that we have developed (metagenomics, transcriptomics and metatranscriptomics). These tools enable us (i) to analyse microbial communities (and more specifically AMFs) at both structural and functional levels and (ii) to trace inocula in applied projects. The analysis of large datasets will enable us to model the role and functioning of PMIs (and more specifically AMS) within the holobiont and also to define markers for the functioning of these MPIs.

3° Transitions towards sustainable, multi-performing agricultural systems

Our fundamental and applied research activities have enabled us (i) to gain scientific recognition at national and international level, and (ii) to legitimise our close collaborations with the socio-economic world. To tackle these issues, we are mobilising our main strengths, combined with our multidisciplinary expertise and the solid network of collaborations established at national and international level. The rational use and engineering of microsymbionts such as AMFs will be central to the management of tomorrow's agroecosystems (reduced use of chemical inputs). The functional markers identified in our above-mentioned research areas will enable us to monitor the impact of cropping itineraries on the functioning and effectiveness of the AMS in the field and in the vineyard.

Membres permanents de l’équipe

Pierre Louis Allaux, Research Fellow, INRAE (from 01.01.2025)

Angélique Besson-Bard, Senior Lecturer, University of Burgundy

Laurent Bonneau, Senior Lecturer, University of Burgundy

Karim Bouhidel, Senior Lecturer, University of Burgundy

Jean Philippe Charles, Senior Lecturer, University of Burgundy

Pierre Emmanuel Courty, Director of Research, INRAE

Christophe Der, Research Engineer, University of Burgundy

Noureddine El Mjiyad, Research Technician, INRAE

Jérôme Fromentin, Assistant Engineer, INRAE

Mathieu Gayral, Senior Lecturer, University of Burgundy

Patricia Gerbeau-Pissot, Senior Lecturer, University of Burgundy

Siham Hichami, Research Technician, University of Burgundy (20%)

Sylvain Jeandroz, Professor, Institut Agro Dijon

Valérie Monfort-Pimet, Research Technician, INRAE

Valérie Nicolas-Frances, Senior Lecturer, University of Burgundy

Ghislaine Recorbet, CR INRAE

Franck Robert, Research Technician, INRAE

Claire Rosnoblet, Senior Lecturer, University of Burgundy

David Wendehenne, Professor, University of Burgundy

Daniel Wipf, Professor, University of Burgundy