Wheat Nitrogen Use Efficiency project

The five-year project will run through to March 2029 and addresses a key research priority of both the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and the WA Agricultural Research Collaboration (WAARC).

Murdoch University is leading the research in collaboration with The University of Western Australia (UWA), Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Curtin University, and plant-breeding company Australian Grain Technologies (AGT).

The initiative has investment from GRDC, AGT and WAARC, including its six members DPIRD, CSIRO, Grower Group Alliance, Curtin University, Murdoch University and UWA.

Wheat Nitrogen Use Efficiency Project Lead and Murdoch University Centre for Crop and Food Innovation Director Rajeev Varshney, said the project’s goal was to empower growers to access high-performing cultivars that maximised yield and grain quality, while minimising environmental impact.

“Enhancing nitrogen use efficiency is pivotal for maximising wheat yield, grain protein content and, ultimately, the profitability of wheat growers,” Professor Varshney said.

“While nitrogenous fertilisers play a crucial role in agriculture, wheat crops currently use less than 40 per cent of applied nitrogen, with only 33 per cent being recovered in the grain.

“By collaborating with leading institutions and industry partners we are not only expanding our understanding of genetic regulation in wheat but also providing practical solutions and tools for breeders to develop improved wheat varieties.”

The Wheat Nitrogen Use Efficiency team will share the findings and outcomes of their research with the wider research community and industry.