Intercrop Mediated Below Ground Interactions effects on biomass, herbivore resistance, and AMF colonization

Research suggests that both above-ground and below-ground facilitation on the growth of Maize crops is influenced by the legume Desmodium Unicatum. There is evidence that when Maize is planted with Desmodium, the corn crop’s secondary metabolism is altered. These secondary metabolites are highly influential in the way in which Maize interacts with its environment. Increasing Maize’s herbivory resistance is crucial, as Maize is a critical food crop used in the global South (primarily Kenya). Innovating such sustainable pest control in Maize has the potential to affect all levels of food production and specifically, can increase food security and health for smallholder farmers and consumers worldwide. Arbuscular Mycorrizal Fungi (AMF) form a symbiotic relationship with around 80% of vascular plant species. Providing increased resilience and resistance to pathogens, salinity, and drought stress. It is a building block in below-ground facilitation and has the potential to increase plant resistance to herbivory. In this research project we aim to determine what mediates increased herbivory resistance and increased AMF colonizations.

Having the opportunity to come to Cornell BTI and work with Professor Andre Kessler and graduate student Juan Pablo Jordan Davalos has been life-changing in a multitude of ways. Not only did I grow exponentially as a scientist, learning about new aspects of my field, how to approach conducting a research project, and how to run a greenhouse experiment, but I also grew as a person. I had the opportunity to work closely with really cool graduate and undergraduate students of Cornell, forming friendships that will last longer than the program. The BTI program also ensured to enrich my learning by providing helpful coding classes, opportunities for networking with professors, and seminars that made me realize two things: One, I really want a Ph.D! This program was amazing in being able to help me and the people around me realize whether we want to pursue graduate school. And two: Ecology is a huge field with a vast amount of research. There’s so much to learn within my field, and I look forward to a lifetime of exploring it. I’m eternally grateful for Cornell giving me this once-in-a-lifetime experience.