Our Science
ENSA researches the beneficial interactions between plants and the soil microbiome to support equitable and sustainable crops that boost the yields and livelihoods of global farmers.
ENSA scientists are studying the partnerships that naturally supply plants with essential nutrients. To do this, ENSA is researching the molecular mechanisms behind the beneficial symbioses between plant roots, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.
Many major crops cannot form some of these interactions. That’s why ENSA’s collaborative research aims to improve or transfer these abilities into crops like cassava, maize, rice, cowpea, and soybean. By uncovering how these symbioses work at the molecular level, researchers are building the knowledge needed to enhance crop nutrition and resilience for billions of people worldwide.
ENSA’s research is a huge undertaking that will take time, and there are few projects in plant biotechnology that are as challenging. Yet the potential for crops to make their own fertiliser would be a huge impact for people and planet alike.
ENSA'S SCIENCE: Watch a video by our partner and funder Gates Agricultural Innovations (Gates Ag One) on plant symbioses and nitrogen fixation. Credit: Gates Agricultural Innovations (Gates Ag One)
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria
Most plants need nitrogen to grow but cannot extract it from the air themselves; only legumes like peas and beans form close partnerships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form. These bacteria live inside small root nodules, where they fix nitrogen for the plant in exchange for sugars. This symbiosis provides a natural source of nutrients for the plant and reduces the need for fertilisers that can have negative impacts on the environment.
Nodules on the roots of legume plants. Credit: ENSA
Developing nitrogen-fixing cassava and maize
ENSA scientists are investigating how to transfer nitrogen-fixing symbiosis of legumes into cassava and maize, two of the world’s most important crops. By understanding the complex molecular processes that allow plants to recognise nitrogen-fixing bacteria, form root nodules, and support infection, researchers can identify essential genes and explore how to restore them in non-legume crops. This work could reduce reliance on nitrogen fertilisers, while benefiting globally important maize production and climate-resilient cassava.
Microscopy image of a legume root inoculated with nitrogen-fixing bacteria that has formed an infection thread (magenta tubular structure). Credit: Morgane Batzenschlager, University of Freiburg, Germany
Developing better beans
ENSA researchers are working to strengthen nitrogen-fixing symbiosis in soybean and cowpea – two nutritionally vital legumes that support global food systems. By investigating why legumes stop forming nitrogen-fixing nodules when soil nitrogen levels are high, scientists aim to enable these crops to continue fixing nitrogen even when some fertiliser is applied, improving soil fertility and boosting crop productivity.
Cowpea plants growing in the greenhouse. Credit: Dugald Reid, La Trobe University, Australia
Mycorrhizal fungi
Improving fungal partnerships in rice and maize
Many crops rely on mycorrhizal fungi, which grow inside plant roots and help deliver phosphorus, water, and micronutrients to the plant. This evolutionarily ancient partnership also boosts disease resistance and tolerance to stresses like drought or poor soils. Strengthening these natural partnerships could reduce fertiliser use and improve crop resilience. ENSA researchers study how these beneficial fungi interact with crops such as rice and maize, with the goal of enhancing these relationships to improve nutrition and resilience in more sustainable ways.
Emily Servanté, ENSA postdoctoral researcher, working with rice plants at the Crop Science Centre, University of Cambridge. Credit: WebsEdge Science.