“Mycorrhiza: Fungi and Plant Symbiosis” 
Presented by Dr. Lisa Morano
University of Houston Downtown

Dr. Lisa Morano, a leading expert in environmental microbiology and sustainable agriculture, will speak to the garden club about her research on beneficial soil microbes that help plants thrive. Her talk will explore how mycorrhizal fungi and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria boost nutrient uptake and protect plants from disease—innovations that can reduce fertilizer use, lower costs, and promote ecological balance in gardens and farms alike.

A Professor of Biology in the Natural Sciences Department at the University of Houston–Downtown (UHD), Dr. Morano has been a member of the faculty since 2001. Her research centers on environmental microbiology, including the genetics and epidemiology of bacteria that can either cause plant diseases or act as friendly endophytes living inside plants.

Dr. Morano holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of California, Irvine, and a Ph.D. in Ecology from the University of California, Davis, where she studied in the Department of Viticulture and Enology. Before joining UHD, she taught biology, microbiology, plant physiology, and cell biology at colleges in California, Michigan, and Texas. At UHD, her teaching has focused on microbiology, environmental biology, and sustainability courses.

Drawing on years of research and teaching, Dr. Morano continues to advance the understanding of sustainable growing practices—work that bridges science and practical applications for gardeners and farmers seeking healthier ecosystems and more resilient plants.