Terrain's John Reghenzani (Manager – Sustainable Industries) was recently sponsored to present at the 12th International Symposium on Biological Nitrogen (N) fixation by non-legumes held at Buzios, some 180 km north of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The conference had over 160 attendees. Presentations were made by scientists based in the USA, UK, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, France, Israel, India, Mexico and of course there were many representatives from South America, particularly Brazil.

John reported, "Scientific advances that have been made on the genetic front of research into N fixation by non-legumes were truly amazing. Genomes of plants and associated N fixing bacteria are being mapped and regulatory mechanisms determined. While the pure research was great, no one it seems has had the field success I have achieved with sugarcane in North Queensland." After reviewing the overseas research, John was able to make suggestions which would advance international research into N fixation by non-legumes.

He continued, "After my presentation I was approached by many who want to collaborate, so there will be some interesting times ahead, using the best of pure and applied research." John added, "A good relationship had already existed through planned collaboration with Dr Robert Boddey of Brazil's equivalent of Australia's CSIRO, Emprapa Agrobiologia. Now we have more key scientists from Brazil, Germany and the US, wishing to collaborate".

Figure 1 John's presentation generated a lot of interest as his applied research was producing results not seen elsewhere in the world.

Figure 2 Ethanol on tap – This mill produces only ethanol from cane. The product seen here is ready for direct use in Brazilian cars powered by flexi motors - Brazil is well ahead with ethanol use in vehicles.