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.