The soNar (sorghum Nitrogen-fixation on aerial roots) project aims at understanding the genetic basis of nitrogen fixation in the mucilage (gel) produced by sorghum 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 sorghum varieties for biofuel and food production to improve agriculture sustainability and food safety.
This project is a close collaboration between the University of Wisconsin – Madison and the University of Florida and is funded by the United States Department of Energy (DOE)
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