Can winter wheat naturally slow down nitrification? This project will compare root exudates from contrasting wheat genotypes and test their ability to inhibit ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms

Some wheat genotypes may naturally suppress nitrification by releasing biological nitrification inhibitors (BNIs) from their roots. 

This project will investigate variation in BNI activity among selected winter wheat genotypes using controlled hydroponic cultivation and standardized root-exudate collection.

Selected genotypes will be grown under defined nitrogen conditions. Root exudates will be tested for inhibition of ammonia oxidation using a Nitrosomonas europaea microplate assay based on nitrite formation. Root and shoot biomass and simple root traits will be measured to normalize activity. 

Depending on thesis scope and results, selected contrasting genotypes may also be validated using a simple soil nitrification assay.