Gene-edited soil bacteria could provide third source of nitrogen for corn production
A recent study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign shows that
gene-edited bacteria can supply the equivalent of 35 pounds of nitrogen from
the air during early corn growth, which may reduce the crop's reliance on
nitrogen fertilizer.
Connor Sible and his research team tested species of soil bacteria that can
turn atmospheric nitrogen into plant-available forms. The edited versions
boost the activity of a key gene involved in nitrogen fixation, making more
of it available to plants. When applied at planting, the bacteria colonize
plant roots, delivering the nutrient where it is needed most.
[
aces.illinois.edu]
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