Developing Nitrogen Use Efficiency Traits In Elite Wheat Varieties

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 atmospheric resource management. 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 improvementsin nitrogen use efficiency. The expected outcome is a foundation for creating commercially viable wheat varieties that requireless fertilizer, lower costs for farmers, and reduce environmental impacts while ensuring stable yields. Ultimately, this work supports efficient production and strengthens U.S. leadership in crop innovation.