Exploring Plant–Microbe Interactions: Research and Education Pupils Laboratory Autumn 2025

06/11/2025 Training & Careers

Twelve enthusiastic pupils explored the fascinating world of plant–microbe symbioses.

Twelve enthusiastic pupils explored the fascinating world of plant–microbe symbioses during the Research and Education Pupils Laboratory led by Dr. Mitzi Villajuana-Bonequi.

From October 9 to 15, 2025, pupils from Ville-Gymnasium Erftstadt, Otto-Hahn-Gymnasium, Berufskolleg Vera Beckers, and Gymnasium Frechen took part in the Research and Education Pupils Laboratory at the Biocenter of the University of Cologne. The course was organized and led by Dr. Mitzi Villajuana-Bonequi as part of the CEPLAS school project “Research and Education – Transfer of Knowledge from Research to School”, which aims to bring CEPLAS research topics into practice-oriented teaching.

The program focused on the interaction between land plants and beneficial soil microorganisms under climate-relevant growth conditions. Through a combination of theoretical introductions and intensive hands-on laboratory work, pupils examined plant–microbe symbioses using the mutualistic model system Pisum sativum–Rhizobium pisi at macroscopic, microscopic, and molecular levels. As part of their experiments, they also compared wild-type Pisum sativum plants with a mutant in the common symbiotic signalling gene PsSym19/MtDMI2, a leucine-rich repeat domain-containing receptor kinase that is essential for both rhizobial and mycorrhizal endosymbioses. This comparison allowed the pupils to observe how mutations in such key genes can disrupt beneficial plant–microbe interactions and provided a tangible example of how genetics underpins symbiotic communication. Activities included measuring plant traits, observing root samples, isolating DNA, performing PCR and gel electrophoresis, and discussing scientific methods.

At the end of the week, participants presented their findings in self-prepared presentations, demonstrating their understanding of plant ecology, morphology, physiology, and genetics. The discussions also explored the broader significance of plant–microbe symbioses in agriculture and food security — particularly their potential to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, mitigate climate impacts, and enhance sustainable crop production.

In their anonymous feedback, pupils shared how much they enjoyed the strong practical orientation of the course — especially the opportunity to conduct their own experiments and microscopy work — and praised the clear, engaging explanations and supportive guidance provided throughout the week.

Dr. Mitzi Villajuana-Bonequi adds, “It’s inspiring to see how quickly pupils grasp complex biological concepts when they have the chance to experiment hands-on.”

The Pupils Laboratory continues to offer young learners valuable insight into plant research and the collaborative, interdisciplinary spirit of CEPLAS. The project was conceived by Prof. Dr. Marcel Bucher and is coordinated by Dr. Mitzi Villajuana-Bonequi.

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