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Engineered diazotrophs with host‐inducible nitrogen supply systems: Transforming rice farming through innovative nitrogen biofertilizers

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ) into bioavailable forms, offer a promising solution through biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). These bacteria typically perform nitrogen fixation under nitrogen-limited conditions. Over the past 50 years, extensive research has elucidated the molecular mechanisms and regulatory pathways governing BNF. Recent microbiome studies have revealed that wild rice accessions harbor a greater abundance of diazotrophic bacteria, whereas a substantial proportion of these beneficial microbes have been lost in modern cultivated varieties. Advancements in synthetic biology have enabled the engineering of nitrogen‑exporting diazotrophs, potentially reducing dependence on industrial nitrogen fertilizers. This review emphasizes the importance of targeted research to develop customized diazotrophic microbes in conjunction with synthetic microbial community that can serve as nitrogen exporters for rice. Furthermore, it highlights the necessity of identifying rice cultivars that are particularly responsive to these microbial interventions. Finally, it provides a comprehensive roadmap addressing key challenges and opportunities in deploying BNF to supplement plant nitrogen nutrition and advance sustainable agriculture.

Source: Journal of Integrative Plant Biology

DOI: 10.1111/jipb.70320

Authors: Ahana Sengupta, Rudra Narayan Sahoo, Senjuti Sinharoy

Institution: National Institute of Plant Genome Research

Language: English

Topic: Plant-Microbe Interactions and Immunity

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: green

Funder: Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India