Self-fertilizing crops
Baker, Jakani
Baker, Jakani
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Abstract
Large amounts of resources are required to synthesize and apply the necessary nitrogen fertilizers required by crops. Additionally, the synthesis, transport, and application of these fertilizers has various environmental implications. Some plants (including some crops) are able to form symbiotic relationships with bacteria within the soil to obtain nitrogen from the atmosphere. However, our primary staple crops (wheat, maize, and rice) are unable to do this. The purpose of this presentation is to communicate research on the genetic mechanisms underpinning this symbiotic relationship as well the cellular machinery within the bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen. With a better understanding of the genetics behind these mechanisms, there is potential staple crops could be genetically engineered to produce nitrogen independently or form associations with these nitrogen fixing bacteria. This has the potential to greatly reduce reliance on nitrogen fertilizers, therefore reducing expenses, environmental impacts, and increasing global food security. The presentation will be in the form of an infographic based primarily on the following two studies; Allen, Robert S., Kimberley Tilbrook, Andrew C. Warden, Peter C. Campbell, Vivien Rolland, Surinder P. Singh, and Craig C. Wood. 2017. �Expression of 16 Nitrogenase Proteins within the Plant Mitochondrial Matrix.� Frontiers in Plant Science 8. doi:10.3389/fpls.2017.00287. Tajima, H., Yadav, A., Castellanos, J. H., Yan, D., Brookbank, B. P., Eiji Nambara, & Blumwald, E. (2025). Increased Apigenin in DNA?Edited Hexaploid Wheat Promoted Soil Bacterial Nitrogen Fixation and Improved Grain Yield Under Limiting Nitrogen Fertiliser. Plant Biotechnology Journal. https://doi.org/10.1111/pbi.70289
Description
Date
1/1/2026
Student Status
Sophomore (Graduating in 2028)
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Poster
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Program/Major
Exchange student with a double major: Agricultural Science + Genetics
College/School
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
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Life Science