EMI Lecture 2019: Prof. Juan Luis Ramos
This year’s Annual Environmental Microbiology Lecture, titled The double life of Pseudomonas putida: ubiquitous soil bacteria and useful microbial chassis, was delivered by Professor Juan Luis Ramos from the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). Prof. Ramos has been a committed editor of Environmental Microbiology (since 2007), Environmental Microbiology Reports (since its founding in 2008), and Microbial Biotechnology (since its launch in 2007). We were delighted to host him for this year’s lecture on 15 October.
The talk opened with an introduction to Pseudomonas – a “cosmopolitan” bacterium found across the globe. Pseudomonas putida, in particular, thrives in the rhizosphere and is widely recognised for its capacity to degrade hydrocarbons and aromatic compounds, bringing it to the attention of both researchers and industry. Prof. Ramos outlined three key research strands: genomic and pangenomic analysis of P. putida strains, its use as a model system in agriculture, and its role in the production of useful compounds.
The recorded lecture explores pangenomic analysis – a method for comparing related genomes to identify core and accessory genes – and showcases how P. putida can support plant growth, encourage root branching, and outcompete plant pathogens. It also delves into ‘phytorhizoremediation’, a technique where P. putida strains capable of breaking down toxic compounds are introduced via seeds and cultivated in contaminated soils to aid in site clean-up.
