The NFARM (Nitrogen Fixation on Aerial Roots of Maize) project aims to understand the genetic basis of nitrogen fixation in the mucilage (gel) produced by maize aerial roots. We aim to understand the plant genes controlling the development of numerous aerial roots, the molecular mechanisms allowing mucilage production and degradation, and the role of microbes in degrading the mucilage, nitrogen fixation, and delivery of fixed nitrogen to the plant. The ultimate goal of this project is to introduce this trait into maize varieties that can be grown in developed as well as developing countries to improve food safety and agricultural sustainability.
This project is a close collaboration between the University of Wisconsin – Madison and the University of Georgia and is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
USDA projects #2020-67013-32675 and #2024-67013-42668