31.07.25
Durham University has received a significant research grant to develop a new method temporarily modifying crops using naturally occurring bacteria.
In collaboration with Azotic Technologies, the project aims to temporarily program plants with new traits by using a natural microbe found in plants.
Footprint reports that the research will focus on Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus, a type of bacteria that lives inside plant cells. This microbe will be used to introduce beneficial traits into a wide range of crops quickly and cost-effectively.
According to researchers, the technology could offer “a safer, more flexible approach to crop protection and improvement." They added, “the technique could allow farmers to enhance plant performance, resilience, and nutritional value without permanent genetic modification."
Overall, the potential benefits include reducing the need for chemical pesticides, helping crops cope with heat, drought and diseases, and improving food quality and nutrition.
Explore the full Footprints report for detailed insights, and meet the experts behind the project at Durham University.
