Bacteria study that could have agricultural impact started with one student's thesis
What started as a thesis by former grad student John "Wes" Dille's, turned into a
collaborative study between two professors that could have an agricultural impact.
Microbiology professor Mark Schneegurt and ornithology professor Chris Rogers discovered
that one of North America's most common migratory birds – the Dark-eyed Junco – carries a
remarkable diversity of plant bacteria on its feathers, the greatest ever found on
wild birds.
And while many of these bacteria may be harmful to plants, the bacteria could also
be of great benefit as the migratory birds interact with the environment.