Honors Theses and Capstones

Date Completed

Spring 2026

Abstract

Temperature limits plant growth and survival more than many other environmental variables, and increases in the frequency of extreme hot or cold weather events pose significant challenges for plant growth and crop yields. Previous studies have shown that bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms associated with plants ( i.e., the plant microbiome) can influence host response to temperature stress. These same microbes have their own temperature tolerances. We investigated whether microbial temperature tolerance correlates with plant resilience using an aquatic plant model, Lemna minor, and isolates derived from its microbiome. Microbial isolates were assessed at −10°C, 4°C, and 32°C for growth and survival. Axenic L. minor fronds were then inoculated with each microbial isolate separately and exposed to each temperature treatment to determine host performance. We found a mostly negative correlation between microbe performance and duckweed survival under temperature extremes, and a weak positive trend between duckweed and microbial growth at cold temperatures. Overall, our results suggest that microbes best adapted to temperature extremes are not necessarily those that provide the most benefit to host plants under the same stress.

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

First Advisor

Anna O'Brien

College or School

COLSA

Department or Program

Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

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