Biotech Updates

AgResearch Scientists Develops Pasture Plants to Reduce Emissions

January 28, 2011

The New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Center has announced the 18 science programs that will receive grants from the Center. One of these new research programs is led by Dr. Susanne Rasmussen of AgResearch and focuses on the feasibility of growing high yielding pasture plants with less nitrogen content. If this research becomes successful, farmers will be able to maintain pasture productivity while decreasing nitrogen gas emissions leading to various environmental benefits such as reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and maintaining water quality.

According to Dr. Harry Clark, the centre's director, "reducing the nitrogen in pasture plants without compromising productivity is theoretically possible, through genetic modification," however the study is still at the early stage of exploring possibilities. He also added that low-nitrogen plants would also prevent leaching of nitrogen into waterways.

For more information, visit http://www.agresearch.co.nz/news/pages/news-item.aspx?News-id=11-01-21-1 and http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/rural/67014/scientists-look-at-new-plants-to-reduce-emissions.