Manufactured Nanomaterials and Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria: Building a Microbial Perspective of the Nano Age.

Little is known concerning the effects of manufactured nanomatierals (MNM's) on the survival and metabolism of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR).  In this study we will observe the influence of MNM's on survival and respiration of three PGPR, Bacillus subtilis, Sinorhizobium meliloti, and Pseudomonas fluorescens.  Due to inherent biological differences in these PGPR species, we expect responses to MNM's to vary.  Differential microbial responses are also expected with regards to MNM core composition, surface coating, charge, and size.