Caroline Hargraves: Director, Marketing and Economic Development | LinkedIn
Caroline Hargraves: Director, Marketing and Economic Development | LinkedIn
Amita Kaundel, a professor at Utah State University and recipient of the 2023 Utah Specialty Crop Grant, is leading research to enhance native plant health and encourage water-efficient agriculture. The project involves isolating nitrogen-fixing actinobacteria, Frankia, from the root nodules of Ceanothus velutinus (snowbrush ceanothus) and Shepherdia utahensis ‘Torrey’ (hybrid buffaloberry). These plants are beneficial for water-efficient landscaping and contribute to sustainable farming by fixing nitrogen in the soil, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
The research team employs innovative techniques such as filtration and ultracentrifugation to isolate Frankia. Despite challenges due to Frankia's slow growth and specific nutrient requirements, they are refining their methods and experimenting with new media to determine the most effective strains for these plants.
More information about the Utah Specialty Crop Block Grant program can be found at: https://ag.utah.gov/specialty-crop-block-grant-program/
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