The genetic map of the Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus bacterium, an important nitrogen fixant for sugarcane, sweet potato and pineapple crops, was deciphered in Brazil, and its use in agriculture could generate significant environmental benefits. The study, begun in 2001 by Riogene, a network of research centers in Rio de Janeiro state, was concluded in December with the identification of more than 3,600 genes.

“The next step will look for genes involved in the metabolic process so that in five years or less we can produce bacteria with greater capacity for fixing nitrogen from the air,” José Ivo Baldani, of the agro-biology center at the national farm research agency, EMBRAPA, told Tierramérica.

Injected into sugarcane, the genetically modified bacteria could help save 30 percent in nitrogen fertilizers, benefiting the environment and cutting farmers' costs. Scientists are also seeking substances that would improve plant development and protect them against pests.