In 1976 it was reported that Canadian scientists had developed a strain of wheat, which was capable of “fixing” nitrogen, claiming their findings as a significant breakthrough. That was 30 years ago and it appears the findings were premature excitement as there have been no such developments in our current varieties. Obviously plant researchers throughout the world have been trying to find ways of duplicating the special properties found in leguminous plants, that is the ability for non-leguminous crops which could fix their own nitrogen.

Well, some information recently came across my desk from SeedQuest where it seems it is much closer than we thought, as scientists at the University of Aarthus in Denmark, have identified the genes that code for two proteins, which are the receptors, which ‘recognise’ the Rhizobium bacteria as the symbiosis partner. They also have discovered that some mutations are capable of creating root nodules without Rhizobium. This break through provides hope that it might be possible to start cell divisions leading to the formation of root nodules in plants that do not normally make them. If this can be done it might also be possible to get Rhizobium bacteria to enter the nodules and start a nitrogen fixing process.

Just think if we have a cereal plant which could enable the conversion of nitrogen naturally and make it possible to reduce the use of nitrogen fertilisers, or in some environments, do away with them altogether.

Lets hope this promising research will develop over the next few years, however at present only legumes in the rotation are capable of creating ‘free’ nitrogen for subsequent crops.

For further information contact Neil “Fish” Cordon – Senior Extension Agronomist, Minnipa Agricultural Centre, phone 8680 5104.