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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.
Grant type:
ARC Discovery Projects
Researchers:

  • Emeritus Professor Peter Gresshoff

    Emeritus Professor
    School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability
    Faculty of Science

  • Professor Rob Capon

    Professorial Research Fellow - GL
    Institute for Molecular Bioscience
    Affiliate Professorial Res Fellow
    School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences
    Faculty of Science

  • Associate Professor Brett Ferguson

    Associate Professor Legume Biotech
    School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability
    Faculty of Science
    Associate Professor
    Centre for Crop Science
    Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation
Funded by:
Australian Research Council