Rene Geurts
Associate Professor
Wageningen University
The Geurts team focuses on the evolution of the nitrogen-fixing nodulation trait. For this, Parasponia is used, the only non-legume plant that evolved a nodule symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing rhizobia. By comparing legumes and Parasponia, core genetic adaptations associated with the nitrogen-fixing nodulation trait can be identified. Subsequently, this knowledge is used to design a genetic blueprint to engineer nitrogen-fixing root nodules in crop species.