MSL Seminar Series: May – Invited Speaker, Dr. Edward Buckler
May 20 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Invited Speaker:
Dr. Edward Buckler
Geneticist
Ithica, NY
Host: Dr. Marco Todesco
This seminar will be presented in a hybrid format. Audience members are welcome to attend either in person at the MSL lecture theatre (room 102) or via the zoom link. Those connecting via zoom will be able to ask questions during the Q&A portion using the chat function.
Zoom registration link: https://ubc.zoom.us/meeting/register/Ud8Uah4LR7mmzYcle0vRiA
Talk title: How could maize genes move the needle on global nitrogen cycling?
Abstract:
Synthetic nitrogen fertilizer has driven incredible gains in crop productivity, yet only 12% of applied nitrogen reaches consumers as protein. There is a clear logic to the chemistry, yet it operates within an agricultural system built around grasses, defined by evolutionary anomalies.Today, with a systems-level understanding of soils, plant and animal physiology, manure, synthetic biology, and metagenomics, we can design nitrogen flows for both greater efficiency and lower environmental impact. The Nitrogen 2.0 framework outlines pathways to triple system-level nitrogen use efficiency, increase yields, and cut inputs—by integrating alternative nitrogen sources for livestock, improving manure recycling, and creating cropping systems that retain and reuse more nitrogen on-farm. One example is the Circular Economy that Reimagines Corn Agriculture (CERCA), which focuses on making maize extremely productive and efficient for feed, starch, and fuel uses (60% of the global crop). In temperate climates, maize faces two inefficiencies: it grows poorly in spring when light and nitrogen are available, and it allocates excessive nitrogen to low-value storage proteins in the grain. CERCA addresses this by designing a cold-tolerant maize, shifting nitrogen away from grain protein, and enhancing soil nitrogen recycling and in soil stability through biological nitrification inhibition. Together, these strategies lay the groundwork for a resilient, nitrogen-efficient agricultural system—maximizing productivity while reducing fertilizer input costs and environmental impact.
