Esther Menendez
Looking for Partnership Looking for Extra EU Funds
My name is Esther Menendez and I hold a PhD in Microbiology and Genetics. My research is focused mainly on the molecular basis of mutualistic plant-microbe interactions, particularly on the bacterial side of the interaction and also, on the beneficial effects exerted by rhizobia and endophytic bacteria on different leguminous and non-leguminous crops. Moreover, I am interested on microbial diversity and taxonomy, in order to know who is who and which are the effects of bacterial communities on crops submitted to a diverse range of conditions.
Currently, I am a MSCA research fellow at University of Salamanca (Spain). My MSCA project is focused on determining the core microbiomes and their associated functions that are common between the crops of several cropping system. The findings will help to design an adapted biofertiliser based on native bacterial communities that will improve crop yields and protect against quarantine organisms.