Molecular Soil Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.1, 28-36 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 28 Research Insight Open Access Advancements in Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation: Enhancing Sugarcane Production Wenzhong Huang Tropical Plant Research Center, Hainan Intitutes of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding email: wenzhong.huang@hitar.org Molecular Soil Biology, 2024, Vol.15, No.1 doi: 10.5376/msb.2024.15.0004 Received: 02 Jan., 2024 Accepted: 03 Feb., 2024 Published: 14 Feb., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Huang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Huang W.Z., 2024, Advancements in symbiotic nitrogen fixation: enhancing sugarcane production, Molecular Soil Biology, 15(1): 28-36 (doi: 10.5376/msb.2024.15.0004) Abstract As an important crop worldwide, sugarcane requires sustainable agricultural practices to meet the growing demand. This study explores the latest progress in symbiotic nitrogen fixation as a sustainable alternative to traditional fertilizers. Symbiotic nitrogen fixation involves beneficial bacteria converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be utilized by plants, thereby improving soil health and reducing dependence on fertilizers. The study discussed the biological mechanisms and gene interactions of this process in sugarcane, emphasizing the latest technological innovations including genetic engineering and biological fertilizers. Detailed case studies demonstrate the practical benefits of these technologies, including increased yield and improved soil health. Despite challenges such as biological, environmental, and socio-economic barriers, the potential for optimizing nitrogen fixation through genetic modification and precision agriculture is promising. Supportive policies are crucial for the widespread adoption of these technologies. This study emphasizes the crucial role of symbiotic nitrogen fixation in improving sugarcane productivity and sustainability, and calls for continued research and development in this field. Keywords Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.); Symbiotic nitrogen fixation; Sugarcane production; Technological progress; Case studies; Challenges and opportunities Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarumL.) is a major crop cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It is a primary source of sugar and bioethanol, contributing significantly to the economies of many countries, particularly in Asia, South America, and Africa. The global demand for sugarcane is driven by its use in food products, biofuels, and various industrial applications. However, the cultivation of sugarcane is highly dependent on the use of nitrogen fertilizers, which are costly and have detrimental environmental impacts, including soil degradation and water pollution (Lincoln and Vitousek, 2016; Guo et al., 2020; Singh et al., 2021). Nitrogen fixation is a critical process in agriculture, where atmospheric nitrogen (N2) is converted into ammonia (NH3), a form that plants can utilize. This process is primarily carried out by diazotrophic bacteria, which can either live freely in the soil or form symbiotic relationships with plants. Symbiotic nitrogen fixation, particularly in legumes, has been extensively studied and utilized to reduce the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. However, extending this capability to non-leguminous crops like sugarcane presents a significant opportunity to enhance sustainable agricultural practices (Graham and Vance, 2000; Biswas and Gresshoff, 2014; Mus et al., 2016). The primary objective of this study is to explore advancements in symbiotic nitrogen fixation to enhance sugarcane production. This involves investigating the potential of various diazotrophic bacteria to form effective symbiotic relationships with sugarcane, thereby reducing the reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. The study aims to identify and characterize bacterial strains that can promote nitrogen fixation and improve sugarcane growth under different environmental conditions. By leveraging genetic and molecular insights, the study seeks to develop biofertilizers that can enhance nitrogen use efficiency and contribute to sustainable sugarcane cultivation (Martins et al., 2020; Singh et al., 2021; Luo wt al., 2023). The expected outcomes include increased sugarcane yield, reduced environmental impact, and a deeper understanding of the mechanisms driving symbiotic nitrogen fixation in non-leguminous crops.
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