13 www.seed.ab.ca | fall.2018 mitochondria and that the nitrogenase enzyme is produced. Plus, they have demonstrated that the nif-enriched microspores definitely fix atmospheric nitrogen. The research team is now working on regenerating nif-enriched triticale plantlets. If all goes as expected, they will produce triticale plants that have all the characteristics of the triticale parent plus the ability to fix nitrogen. Ziemienowicz thinks it will take at least 10 more years to develop nitrogen-fixing wheat. “We need about three years to produce and test the nitrogen-fixing triticale plants. Then, we need a few years to transfer the trait to wheat. Also, it takes years for commercialization of a plant with a novel trait.” Looking Down the Road Even though it is many years away, the path to commercialization could be as challenging as the scientific path to develop nitrogen- fixing cereals. One factor will be regulatory requirements for genetically engineered (GE) products. In Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) evaluates all plants with novel traits for safety to the environment before they can be grown or fed to livestock. The CFIA website states: “The CFIA defines a plant with a novel trait (PNT) as a new variety of a species that has one or more traits that are novel to that species in Canada. A trait is considered to be novel when it has both of these characteristics: it is new to stable, cultivated populations of the plant species in Canada; and it has the potential to have an environmental effect…. Novel traits can be developed through various techniques, including, but not limited to, genetic engineering. Examples (other than genetic engineering) are mutagenesis, gene editing, cell fusion, and traditional breeding…. This product-focused approach means that not all PNTs are developed through genetic engineering, and that not all products of genetic engineering are PNTs.” “The Canadian ‘plants with novel traits’ approach is different from much of the rest of the world. [In Canada] it doesn’t really The Alberta researchers placed the AAFC nif cluster of 16 nitrogen-fixation genes into these triticale microspores (spores that develop into pollen grains). AFSC.ca • 1.877.899.AFSC (2372) • @AFSC_AB When you need support AFSC is here with four unique farm loan programs to help start, expand and develop your operation. Find a loan based on your operation and your goals that offers flexible fixed-rate terms with competitive interest rates and no prepayment penalties. With up to 15 million dollars in available financing, we can ensure you will have what you need to succeed. To get started, contact an AFSC Lending Specialist today. From sun up to sun down, we are part of your operation.