Dr. Roeland L. Berendsen
Assistant Professor | Independent Research Group Leader
Plant-Microbe Interactions, Institute of Environmental Biology, Utrecht University
Scientific Focus
As an independent group leader within the Plant-Microbe Interactions (PMI) group, I have built a research program that combines microbiome sequencing, molecular biology, and advanced data science to unravel plant-microbiome interactions. My work has resulted in key discoveries, including:
- Disease-induced recruitment: We demonstrated that plants actively shape their microbiome to enhance pathogen resistance, a process that creates a protective soil-borne legacy for future plant generations.
- Predicting Plant Vigor from the Microbiome: Developed a machine learning model that predicts potato plant growth potential based on tuber microbiome composition, opening new possibilities for microbiome-informed breeding.
- Microbiomes of Mycorrhizal Hyphae: Uncovered how mycorrhizal fungi structure their microbiome, identifying bacterial species that promote both plant growth and fungal colonization.
By understanding the molecular and ecological mechanisms underlying these interactions, we aim to develop microbiome-based strategies for sustainable crop protection and yield improvement.
Managing Director of NPEC Utrecht
In my role as Managing Director of the Netherlands Plant Eco-phenotyping Centre Utrecht (NPEC Utrecht), I oversee the operations and strategic development of this state-of-the-art facility. NPEC Utrecht offers researchers and companies advanced plant phenotyping capabilities to unravel the genetics behind plant-environment interactions that determine plant performance. By facilitating high-throughput and high-resolution studies of plant performance in relation to various biotic and abiotic factors, NPEC contributes to the development of sustainable agronomic solutions essential for future food security and climate change mitigation. (npec.nl, )
Current Projects
- NWO Open Technology Program: SPOTM Project
Researchers: David Kakembo, Afke Vogelzang, Juanjo Sanchez Gilles
Focus: Developing sequence-based tools to predict and optimize potato plant growth by mapping the microorganisms living on seed potatoes. This project aims to reduce the reliance on agrochemicals in potato cultivation by leveraging beneficial microbiomes. - Microbiomes4Soy
PhD candidate: Maria Papadopoulou
Focus: Investigating the soybean microbiome to improve nitrogen fixation and stress resilience, contributing to sustainable soybean production and healthier diets. - CropXR Potato Satellite Program
PhD candidates: Jochem Huijben, Stijn Nagelkerk
Focus: Developing microbiome-based strategies to enhance potato resilience against abiotic stresses, contributing to the CropXR initiative aimed at breeding crops with extra resilience to environmental challenges. MiCRop Gravitation Program
Researchers: Brandon Ford, Yadong Shao
Focus: Understanding the mechanisms behind the assembly of soil-borne legacies, and application of protective microbiomes to crops in the field