Gene-Edited Soil Bacteria Could Provide More Nitrogen for Corn

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.

The researchers applied the bacteria at planting during three field seasons using standard agronomic practices for corn. They then measured nitrogen in plant tissues at the V8 stage (eight fully-collared leaves) and at R1 (silk emergence), as well as grain yield at the end of each season. The dilution of plant and soil stable isotopic nitrogen showed that additional nitrogen uptake in the inoculated plots was from the atmosphere, supplementing the soil and fertilizer supply.