Charles Colvin, plant sciences major in the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, used an Erickson Discovery Grant over summer 2024 to continue working on research focused on flavonoid-induced phyllosphere changes in maize with faculty supervisor Dr. Surinder Chopra. .🌽 Discover the impact of the experience in Charles own words: “The goal of this research was to explore the relationship between naturally occurring flavonoids in maize and the dynamics of microbial communities on and within the plant’s leaves (collectively known as the phyllosphere). Given the potential to develop insect-resistant maize varieties rich in flavonoids, and knowing that flavonoids influence microbial communities in sorghum, we sought to investigate the effects of maize leaf flavonoids on the phyllosphere microbiome. Over the coming year, I plan to continue my work on my original project studying flavonoid-induced phyllospheric microbial changes. The Erickson Discovery Grant has been an invaluable experience that not only fueled my passion for research but also opened doors to a host of new experiments and investigations.” Penn Staters ready to open new doors can apply for funding support between now and Feb. 16 at urfm.psu.edu.
