Caroline Hargraves: Director, Marketing and Economic Development | LinkedIn
Caroline Hargraves: Director, Marketing and Economic Development | LinkedIn
Amita Kaundel, a recipient of the 2023 Utah Specialty Crop Grant and a professor at Utah State University, is leading a research team focused on enhancing the health of native plants. The project aims to promote water-efficient farming and landscaping practices.
The research involves isolating nitrogen-fixing actinobacteria, known as Frankia, from the root nodules of two native plant species: Ceanothus velutinus (snowbrush ceanothus) and Shepherdia utahensis ‘Torrey’ (hybrid buffaloberry). These plants are suitable for water-efficient landscaping and offer a sustainable approach by fixing nitrogen in the soil, thereby reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
The team is employing innovative techniques such as filtration and ultracentrifugation to isolate Frankia from the nodules. Despite challenges in culturing Frankia due to its slow growth and specific nutrient requirements, the researchers are refining their methods and testing new media to identify optimal 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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