Gregory Bonito

Gregory Bonito, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University (MSU), within the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. His research focuses on fungal-bacterial plant interactions, particularly truffle ecology, mycology, and microbiome dynamics. He holds a Ph.D. in Biology from Duke University, an M.S. in Conservation Ecology from the University of Georgia, and a B.S. in Ecology from Appalachian State University.

His lab investigates the ecology and evolution of plant-associated fungi, using phylogenetics, genomics, and –omics approaches. Key research areas include the functional diversity of root-associated fungi, bacterial symbionts in fungi, and microbiome-driven nutrient cycling. Applications span sustainable agriculture, forestry, and biodiversity conservation.

Dr. Bonito’s work bridges fundamental research and applied solutions, including truffle cultivation and bioenergy crop microbiome optimization. He teaches Advanced Mycology (PLB 847) and collaborates on projects like the Bonito Lab at MSU, which explores symbiotic relationships in soils and plant microbiomes. His lab’s recent studies involve new truffle species discovery, fungal endosymbiont genomics, and the impact of genetic modifications on crop microbiomes.

• Education:
  • Ph.D., Biology, Duke University
  • M.S., Conservation Ecology & Sustainable Development, University of Georgia
  • B.S., Ecology & Environmental Biology, Appalachian State University
• Lab & Collaborations:
  • Bonito Lab at MSU
  • International Mycological Congress collaborations
  • Edible Ectomycorrhizal Mushroom research

His research has been featured in journals like Science, Molecular Ecology, and Environmental Microbiology. Current projects include truffle biodiversity in North America and the role of fungal endosymbionts in stress tolerance.