Unique gene-edited wheat has the potential to 'self-create' fertilizer

Source: tuoitre.vn Genetically edited wheat varieties help roots secrete compounds that activate nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil, opening a path to reducing pollution and fertilizer costs for farmers A new wheat variety created by Professor Eduardo Blumwald's team using CRISPR gene-editing technology. The research team enhanced the plant's ability to produce a natural compound. When secreted by the roots into the soil, this compound supports bacteria that can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that crops can absorb—a process known as nitrogen fixation. Blumwald believes this technique is particularly useful for developing regions. He said, "In Africa, people do not use fertilizers because they do not have the money and their fields are very small, only about 6-8 acres. Imagine you are growing plants that can stimulate bacteria in the soil to produce the amount of fertilizer the plants need." This discovery builds on the team's previous success with rice and is being ...