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Accelerating sustainability by improving nitrogen fixation of legume crops (2026-2028)

Abstract

Symbiotic nitrogen fixation in crop legumes is essential for sustainable agriculture but is compromised by common agricultural practices and environmental conditions. This project will optimise legume nitrogen fixation through genetic variation to enhance the plant¿TM)s ability to acquire nitrogen for biomass and yield. Expected outcomes will include novel legume varieties having enhanced nitrogen fixation traits suitable for suboptimal growing conditions. This should provide significant benefits, such as increased yields and enhanced nitrogen retention in agricultural soils, resulting in reduced nitrogen fertiliser use and conscious environmental outcomes for primary industries.

Experts

Dr April Hastwell

GRDC Research Fellow
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation
April Hastwell
April Hastwell

Associate Professor Brett Ferguson

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

Professor Michael Udvardi

Affiliate of ARC COE for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture
ARC COE for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture
Faculty of Science
Professorial Research Fellow
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation
Michael Udvardi