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Discovery of the Systemic Regulator of Legume Nodulation (2013-2018)

Abstract

Legume plants form root nodules that house nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria. This gives legumes a competitive advantage as nitrogen is essential for growth. The plant controls the number of nodules it forms via a systemic regulatory process involving root-to-shoot-to-root signalling. The aim of this project is to discover the novel plant factor produced in the shoot that is transported to the root to inhibit nodule formation. Findings will enhance the current nodulation model and could help underpin strategies to optimise the process in agriculture. This would considerably benefit agricultural sustainability by reducing our reliance on nitrogen fertilisers, which are expensive and often pollute.

Experts

Emeritus Professor Peter Gresshoff

Emeritus Professor
School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability
Faculty of Science
Peter Gresshoff
Peter Gresshoff

Professor Rob Capon

Affiliate of Centre for Marine Scie
Centre for Marine Science
Faculty of Science
Affiliate of The Centre for Chemist
Centre for Chemistry and Drug Discovery
Institute for Molecular Bioscience
Affiliate of ARC COE for Innovation
ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science
Institute for Molecular Bioscience
Professorial Research Fellow - GL
Institute for Molecular Bioscience
Rob Capon
Rob Capon

Associate Professor Brett Ferguson

Affiliate of ARC COE for Innovation
ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science
Institute for Molecular Bioscience
Associate Professor
Centre for Crop Science
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation
Associate Professor Legume Biotech
School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability
Faculty of Science
Brett Ferguson
Brett Ferguson