‘Study of the rizosphere of xerophyte plants on Mexico’s high central plain. Analysis of microbiological diversity using a molecular approach. Construction of a novel gene bank (metagenome)’

Francisco Martínez-Abarca Pastor, Hugo César Ramírez Saad, Jordan Kyril Golubov Figueroa, Lesley A. Ogilvie, Nicolás Toro García, Penélope R. Hirsch.

The work plan divides into three parts: I) a plant ecology approach, evaluating the effect of the association between the “mezquite” (Prosopis sp.) shrub and various cactus genera endemic to the zone; II) a microbial ecology approach, evaluating the diversity of microorganisms associated to this ecosystem, which in turn will serve as a base for; III) the construction of a novel gene bank from soil and rizospheric samples (metagenome) which we will search for new markers of environmental and industrial interest as a source of hitherto inaccessible products from the natural genetic reservoir. This genetic reservoir and the ecological studies carried out will add value to the conservation of these ecosystems, rich in endemisms and biodiversity.