Project dates: 30/06/2023 - 30/06/2026
Queensland aims to cut emissions by 30% below 2005 levels by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. To meet this target, many, varied advanced technologies for reducing emissions and enhancing carbon sequestration must be employed. Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) provides an excellent opportunity as a lucrative carbon sequestration crop for Queensland due to its deep root systems, high nitrogen-fixation rates, multi-purpose legume, well-grown in nutrient-poor soil, and high market-demand in the Indian sub-continent. Queensland has 220,000 hectares of disturbed land in site-specific mines that requires rehabilitation. If pigeonpea is grown in these areas, it will improve soil health, enhance carbon sequestration, and produce value-added products.
This Fellowship will use an integrative approach comprising agronomics and genetics to trial potential varieties and develop a novel genome editing strategy for enhanced carbon-capture in pigeonpea for introduction into mining rehabilitation sites in Queensland. If proven suitable, potential varieties could be immediately integrated into land rehabilitation programs. The outcomes will advance Queensland’s economy and environment through benefits to industry partner, growers, and carbon abatement program.
Partnership with Sojitz Blue, a major Queensland-based mining company and an end-user of this research, will provide translational capacity in market-driven and producer-centric aspects of the proposed research.
Chief Investigator
Partner Investigators
- Ms Ann Houston
- Professor David Rowlings
Project partners
Project funding
- Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowship
