Genetic initiative to transform symbiotic nitrogen fixation in Australian pulse crops

Pulse crop production in Australia has grown significantly, contributing over $1.7 billion annually to the economy. Pulses offer more than just economic value; they aid in weed control and disease management and have a unique ability to use atmospheric nitrogen (N2) for growth, reducing the need for costly synthetic nitrogen fertilisers and cutting greenhouse gas emissions. However, the full potential of nitrogen fixation in pulses remains untapped. This investment capitalises on two decades of legume research, using genetic insights from model legume species and cutting-edge technologies including artificial intelligence and advances in molecular genetics and genomics to enhance nitrogen fixation in Australias key pulse crops (chickpea, faba bean, field pea, lentil, lupin, and mung bean). The goal is to improve nitrogen fixation by at least 10% under varying soil conditions (high and low N), benefiting both pulse growers' profitability.