You realize they are discussing genetically engineering both plants and microbes to make them more effective?

Nitrogen-fixing wheat/bacteria combo is being developed.

lazy, there are two side bars that discuss using soil microbes to insert the genes into plants and that is all the discussion I found on some 20 pages, so the article is not about Genetic Engineering. What I read is how plants have evolved over eons with the various soil bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc., and have developed mutually beneficial relationships with many, just as Sir Albert Howard describes in his book, "Soil and Health".

I suggest you read this again with a bit more of an open mind.

kimmq is kimmsr

I found this report fascinating, both because it discusses complex interactions between plants and the myriad microbes found in the soil, and because it outlines a framework for the scientific process designed to take basic research into field trials and ultimately to apply the knowledge gained to agricultural practices.

The participants are impressive (screenshot from the report):

Claire

I'm just finishing a book called Teaming with Microbes. This book has given me information I never realized, it has changed 100% the way I will do my gardening in the future. That Soil & Health book looks like another good one.

There is a good read at Real Agriculture that deals some with the soil bacteria and other soil inhabitants in the soil web and how they are used to interact with plant germ plasm at Monsanto. The article is from the perspective of a staunchly organic grower, and also talks about some of the ways conventional and organic growing are synergistic and complementary.

https://www.realagriculture.com/2013/12/an-organic-farmer-walks-into-monsanto-and-this-is-what-happened/