20253361045247

Wheat is one of the most important food crops in the world, but its production depends heavily on nitrogen fertilizer.

Farmers often apply large amounts of nitrogen to increase yields, yet more than half of this fertilizer is lost to the environment, leading to high costs, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.

This project aims to address these challenges by developing new wheat varieties that use nitrogen more efficiently.

Using advanced gene editing and genetic engineering tools, we will create improved lines of Purdue's elite wheat variety, AG0762, that can take up nitrogen from the soil more effectively and maintain greener, healthier leaves longer during growth.

Our approach uses a patented in-planta transformation method that avoids many of the difficulties of traditional plant breeding and allows faster development of improved crops.

In this initial 9-month project, we will design genetic tools, introduce them into wheat plants, and identify the first generation of plants with potential improvements in nitrogen use efficiency.

The expected outcome is a foundation for creating commercially viable wheat varieties that require less fertilizer, lower costs for farmers, and reduce environmental impacts while ensuring stable yields.

Ultimately, this work supports sustainable agriculture and strengthens U.S. leadership in crop innovation.

Novin Agritech

NOT APPLICABLE

10.212 - Small Business Innovation Research

Institute of Food Production and Sustainability (IFPS) [USDA - NIFA]

West Lafayette, Indiana 47906-8701 United States

Single Zip Code

NOT APPLICABLE

Amendment Since initial award the End Date has been extended from 05/14/26 to 05/14/27.