Rohtak: A research project submitted by Prof. Vinita Hooda, Professor in the department of Botany at Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), has been approved for financial assistance of ₹25 lakh by the Haryana State Council for Science, Innovation and Technology (HSCST), Panchkula.The three-year research project, titled Mycorrhiza–Microbiome Synergy as a Sustainable Soil Management Strategy for Reducing Fertilizer Use and Enhancing Stress Resilience in Wheat, aims to develop sustainable and eco-friendly soil management practices for wheat cultivation.The study will focus on harnessing beneficial interactions between mycorrhizal fungi and soil microorganisms to reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers, improve nutrient-use efficiency and strengthen wheat plants against environmental stresses such as heat and drought.The project is expected to contribute to sustainable agriculture, improved soil health and climate-resilient farming practices. It also seeks to develop practical solutions that could help reduce farming costs while improving crop productivity.Hooda has earlier contributed significantly in the areas of agricultural nanotechnology, plant physiology, soil health and sustainable agriculture. The approval of the project is being seen as a significant achievement for MDU’s research ecosystem and its commitment to addressing environmental sustainability through scientific innovation.
