Potential for enhancement of root growth and nodulation of soybean co-inoculated with Azospirillum and Bradyrhizobium in laboratory systems

The potential enhancement of root growth and nodulation in vegetable soybean (AGS190) was studied with application of Azospirillum brasilense (Sp7) and A. lipoferum (CCM3863) co-inoculated with two Bradyrhizobium japonicum strains (TAL102 and UPMR48). Significant root growth stimulation and nodulation were observed in Azospirillum as well as during its co-inoculation with Bradyrhizobium. Nodule formation is linked with the initiation of new roots; nodules were almost absent even in Bradyrhizobium inoculated plant due to the absence of new roots development in clipped rooted seedlings. Total root length, root number, specific root length, root dry matter, root hair development and shoot dry matter were significantly increased by Azospirillum alone and its co-inoculum. Co-inoculated plants significantly influenced the number of nodules and its fresh weight. A. brasilense seemed to perform better in root growth and nodule development compared to A. lipoferum.     

Azospirillum brasilense Az39 and Bradyrhizobium japonicum E109, inoculated singly or in combination,promote seed germination and early seedling growth in corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.)

Inoculants are biological formulations that combine a stable microorganism population and various types of compounds produced and released during fermentation, such as phytohormones and plant growth regulators. Azospirillum brasilense strain Az39 and Brayrhizobium japonicum strain E109 were previously shown to produce indole 3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA₃) and zeatin (Z). We tested the hypothesis that such compounds are responsible for early growth promotion in inoculated corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) seedlings. Seeds were inoculated with Az39, E109, or both, and kept in a chamber at 20–30 °C under a controlled photoperiod to evaluate seed germination. To evaluate root and shoot length and dry weight, and number of nodules and percentage of nodulated seedlings, in soybean, seedlings were kept in a growth chamber for 14 days under similar photoperiod and temperature conditions. Az39 and E109, singly or in combination, showed the capacity to promote seed germination, nodule formation, and early development of corn and soybean seedlings. Both strains were able to excrete IAA, GA₃ and Z into the culture medium, at a concentration sufficient to produce morphological and physiological changes in young seed tissues.     

Co-inoculation integrated with P-enriched compost improved nodulation and growth of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under irrigated and rainfed farming systems

The present study was designed with the objective of improving the nodulation and growth of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) by integrating co-inoculation of Rhizobium sp. (Mesorhizobium ciceri) and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) carrying ACC (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate) deaminase activity with P-enriched compost (PEC) under irrigated and rainfed farming systems. PEC was prepared from fruit and vegetable waste and enriched with single super phosphate. The results demonstrated that co-inoculation significantly (P?<?0.05) increased the number of nodules per plant, nodule dry weight, pods per plant, grain yield, protein content, and total chlorophyll content under irrigated and rainfed conditions compared to inoculation with rhizobium alone. Integrating PEC with co-inoculation showed an additive effect on the nodulation and growth of chickpea under both farming systems. Analysis of leaves showed a significantly (P?<?0.05) higher photosynthetic rate and transpiration rate in comparison with inoculation with Rhizobium. Compared to irrigated farming system, co-inoculation with PEC under rainfed conditions was more beneficial in improving growth and nodulation of chickpea. Post-harvest soil analysis revealed that the integrated use of bioresources and compost enhanced microbial biomass C, available N content, dehydrogenase, and phosphomonoesterase activities.     

Improving nodulation,growth and yield of Cicer arietinum L. through bacterial ACC-deaminase induced changes in root architecture

Bacteria containing ACC-deaminase in the vicinity of roots may influence plant growth by modifying root architecture through their potential to regulate ethylene synthesis in plant roots. Approximately 138 isolates capable of utilizing ACC as the sole source of N were isolated from the rhizosphere soil of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) plants. Under axenic conditions, some rhizobacterial isolates were highly effective in increasing root length (up to 2.08 fold), number (up to 3.7 fold) and length (up to 3.9 fold) of lateral roots, and root biomass (up to 83%) of chickpea as compared to uninoculated control. Serratia proteamaculans strain J119 was found to be the most effective plant growth promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR) in improving root and shoot growth, nodulation and grain yield of chickpea as compared to respective controls in growth pouches, pot and field trials. A highly significant direct correlation (r = 0.99) was observed between number of lateral roots under axenic conditions (jar trial) and number of nodules per plant in pot and field trials. Interestingly, S. proteamaculans J119 also exhibited highest ACC-deaminase activity in addition to root colonization compared to other tested strains. The results of this study demonstrated that changes in root growth and architecture (particularly lateral roots) as a result of inoculation with PGPR containing ACC-deaminase are crucial for improving growth, yield and nodulation of chickpea under field conditions.     

Effects of low temperature and shade on relationships between nodulation,vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal infection,and shoot growth of soybeans

The effects of low temperature and reduced light on a Glycine-Bradyrhizobium-Glomus spp. symbiosis were examined in pot experiments. Soybean plants, Glycine max L. Merr. cv. Tachiyutaka, were grown with N fertilization or inoculation with Bradyrhizobium japonicum plus P fertilization or inoculation with Glomus mosseae in the glasshouse. After the flowering stage, half the pots with soybean plants were subjected to low temperature (15°C 14h/13°C 10 h) with light reduced by shading. At 0, 7, 16, and 28 days after the application of the treatments, the growth, nodulation, vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) infection and the N and P contents of the soybean plants were measured. In all symbiont-fertilization combinations, the low-temperature treatment reduced the production of dry matter by the soybeans. Nodulation (weight and number) was slightly reduced by this treatment but the proportion of larger nodules was increased. The root length infected by the VAM fungus was little affected by the low-temperature treatment. Both the nodule weight and the infected root length were linearly related to shoot dry weight regardless of treatment and of the symbiont-fertilization combination used. These results suggest that the growth of the symbionts on the root was in balance with the shoot growth of the host, irrespective of climatic conditions, and imply a considerable degree of host control. P inflows to root systems were greatly affected by low-temperature treatment regardless of the symbiont-fertilization combination. This suggests that a simple comparison of P inflows between mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants may give misleading information on the effects of low temperature or reduced light conditions on P uptake by mycorrhizal plants.     

Effect of soil pH on plant growth and nodulation of cowpea

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of soil pH on rhizobium inoculation, plant growth and nodulation of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). Both inoculated and non‐inoculated seeds of the cultivar ‘California Blackeye No. 5’ were grown in the greenhouse in plastic pots with growth medium being a Norfolk sandy loam (Fine, loamy siliceous, thermic, Typic Palendult) soil under different pH levels. Both soil pH and rhizobium inoculation significantly affected root length, plant height, nodule and pod number per plant. Within the pH range of 6.6 to 7.6, these growth parameters generally were at their maximum, decreasing above or below this pH range. Non‐inoculated plants produced some nodules, indicating failure of the methyl bromide to totally destroy all residual soil rhizobta before inoculation treatment.

The inoculated plants produced more seeds and the increased number of nodules of treated plants was directly related to increased seed weight. Since nodule number was highest at the approximate pH range of 6.6 to 7.6, this range was considered optimum for nodulation of cowpea by this strain of rhizobium under greenhouse conditions. At pH 7.5 and above, roots tended to be more fibrous and nodules were generally smaller in size.     

在受控条件下植物促生菌对扁豆的生长，结瘤和养分积累的效应

Application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) has been shown to increase legume growth and development under field and controlled environmental conditions. The present study was conducted to isolate plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) from the root nodules of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) grown in arid/semi-arid region of Punjab, Pakistan and examined their plant growth-promoting abilities. Five bacterial isolates were isolated, screened in vitro for plant growth-promoting (PGP) characteristics and their effects on the growth of lentil were assessed under in vitro, hydroponic and greenhouse (pot experiment) conditions. All the isolates were Gram negative, rod-shaped and circular in form and exhibited the plant growth-promoting attributes of phosphate solubilization and auxin (indole acetic acid, IAA) production. The IAA production capacity ranged in 0.5-11.0 μg mL-1 and P solubilization ranged in 3-16 mg L-1 . When tested for their effects on plant growth, the isolated strains had a stimulatory effect on growth, nodulation and nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) uptake in plants on nutrient-deficient soil. In the greenhouse pot experiment, application of PGPR significantly increased shoot length, fresh weight and dry weight by 65%, 43% and 63% and the increases in root length, fresh weight and dry weight were 74%, 54% and 92%, respectively, as compared with the uninoculated control. The relative increases in growth characteristics under in vitro and hydroponic conditions were even higher. PGPR also increased the number of pods per plant, 1 000-grain weight, dry matter yield and grain yield by 50%, 13%, 28% and 29%, respectively, over the control. The number of nodules and nodule dry mass increased by 170% and 136%, respectively. After inoculation with effective bacterial strains, the shoot, root and seed N and P contents increased, thereby increasing both N and P uptake in plants. The root elongation showed a positive correlation (R2 = 0.67) with the IAA production and seed yield exhibited a positive correlation (R2 = 0.82) with root nodulation. These indicated that the isolated PGPR rhizobial strains can be best utilized as potential agents or biofertilizers for stimulating the growth and nutrient accumulation of lentil.     

Nitrogenase divarication with histological attributes distinctive for glycosylated aerial stem nodules and nitrosylated root nodules of sesbania

Exceptional symbiotic nitrogen fixation with Sesbania has provided high soil fertility for many past centuries of paddy rice production. Unique stem nodulation results in high nitrogenase activity levels of S. rostrata, Brem, during rapid growth in continuously flooded rice fields that greatly disfavor legume root nodulation and this functional development. The objective of this study was to determine plant nutrient interactions that influence contrasting root and aerial stem nodule histology governing effective nitrogenase activity levels and nitrogen fixation. Top growth, nodulation, and nitrogenase activity levels were significantly increased with increased available soil P. Response to K levels and Ca additions resulted only when soil P was adequate in all treatment combinations. However, there was no significant correlation between fresh nodule weight, nitrogenase activity, and nodules plant^‐1 for both root nodules and aerial stem nodules. Nodule histology was highly contrastive with nodule type and Rhizobium morphology, cytosol composition, and governing enzyme activity levels. Distinctive nonpleomorphic cocci bacteroids of functional aerial stem nodules have tentative designation as Azorhizobium caulinodans gen. nov. sp. nov.     

Nodulation competition among Bradyrhizobium japonicum strains as influenced by rhizosphere bacteria and iron availability

Summary Bacteria isolated from the root zones of field-grown soybean plants [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] were examined in a series of glasshouse experiments for an ability to affect nodulation competition among three strains of Bradyrhizobium japonicum (USDA 31, USDA 110, and USDA 123). Inocula applied at planting contained competing strains of B. japonicum with or without one of eleven isolates of rhizosphere bacteria. Tap-root nodules were harvested 28 days after planting, and nodule occupancies were determined for the bradyrhizobia strains originally applied. Under conditions of low iron availability, five isolates (four Pseudomonas spp. plus one Serratia sp.) caused significant changes in nodule occupancy relative to the corresponding control which was not inoculated with rhizosphere bacteria. During subsequent glasshouse experiments designed to verify and further characterize these effects, three fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. consistently altered nodulation competition among certain combinations of bradyrhizobia strains when the rooting medium did not contain added iron. This alteration typically reflected enhanced nodulation by USDA 110. Two of these isolates produced similar, although less pronounced, effects when ferric hydroxide was added to the rooting medium. The results suggest that certain rhizosphere bacteria, particularly fluorescent Pseudomonas spp., can affect nodulation competition among strains of R. japonicum. An additional implication is that iron availability may be an important factor modifying interactions involving the soybean plant, B. japonicum, and associated microorganisms in the host rhizosphere.Paper No. 10648 of the Journal Series of the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service, Raleigh, NC 27695-7601, USA     

Interaction Effects of Nitrogen and Phosphorus on Nodulation in Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.)

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is one of the most important plants in forage production, especially in northern areas. Fertilisation practices are focused on high yield and forage quality but effects of nutrients on nodulation and N₂ fixation are poorly understood. The aim of this work was to study how nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) separately as well as in combination affected nodulation. Red clover plants were grown in pots with gravel in a greenhouse for 11 weeks. To resemble field conditions the root temperature was kept lower than the shoot temperature. Plants were given five different combinations of N and P concentrations during growth. The result showed that at high N concentrations P had a counteracting effect on the N inhibition. The N₂-fixation parameters, nodule number, nodule dry matter and specific nitrogenase activity, were six times higher in plants grown with high N and high P than in plants with high N and low P. When the N₂-fixation parameters and the dry matter of roots and shoots were related to total plant dry matter, there was a stronger effect of P on nodulation parameters than on roots and shoots. This indicates that P has a direct effect on the N₂-fixation parameters, rather than an indirect effect via increased plant growth. These results demonstrate the importance to studying the effects of more than one nutrient at a time.     

Nodulation and root growth increase in lower soil layers of water‐limited faba bean intercropped with wheat

Below‐ground niche complementarity in legume–cereal intercrops may improve resource use efficiency and root adaptability to environmental constraints. However, the effect of water limitation on legume rooting and nodulation patterns in intercropping is poorly understood. To advance our knowledge of mechanisms involved in water‐limitation response, faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were grown as mono‐ and intercrops in soil‐filled plexiglass rhizoboxes under water sufficiency (80% of water‐holding capacity) and water limitation (30% of water‐holding capacity). We examined whether intercropping facilitates below‐ground niche complementarity under water limitation via interspecific root stratification coupled with modified nodulation patterns. While no significant treatment effects were measured in intercropped wheat growth parameters, water limitation induced a decrease in shoot and root biomass of monocropped wheat. Likewise, shoot biomass and height, and root length of monocropped faba bean significantly decreased under water limitation. Conversely, water limitation stimulated root biomass of intercropped faba bean in the lower soil layer (15–30 cm soil depth). Similarly, total nodule number of faba bean roots as well as nodule number in the lower soil layer increased under intercropping regardless of water availability. Under water limitation, intercropping also led to a significant increased nodule biomass (48%) in the lower soil layer as compared to monocropping. The enhanced nodulation in the lower soil layer and the associated increase in root and shoot growth provides evidence for a shift in niche occupancy when intercropped with wheat, which improves water‐limited faba bean performance.     

东北黑土区大豆生长、结瘤及产量对氮、磷的响应

氮肥和磷肥显著影响大豆的结瘤和产量。然而在土壤肥力较高、速效养分有效性差的东北地区,有关氮肥和磷肥施用量对大豆结瘤和产量影响的研究较少。本试验采用裂区田间试验,设置3个氮（N）水平（0、20 和 50 kg/hm2）和 3 个磷（P）水平（0、 20 和 40 kg/hm2）,研究氮、 磷及其交互作用对大豆生长发育、 结瘤特征及产量的影响。结果表明, 单施氮肥大豆生物量和产量随着施氮量的增加而增加,而根瘤数量、 干重、 大小和结瘤指数呈逐渐下降的趋势。单施磷肥促进大豆生物量、 产量、 根瘤数量、 干重、 大小和结瘤指数的增加,但其增幅低于施氮处理下的增幅。氮磷对大豆生长和产量促进作用高于单施氮和单施磷处理,但差异不显著;氮磷处理下的根瘤数量、 干重、 大小和结瘤指数低于单施磷处理;氮磷处理下N2（N 50 kg/hm2）处理下的大豆根瘤数量、 干重、 大小和结瘤指数高于N1处理（N 20 kg/hm2）下的,随着施磷量的增加大豆根瘤数量、 干重、 大小和结瘤指数增加,施磷能够抵消氮对大豆根瘤产生和形成的抑制。氮、 磷及其交互作用对大豆根瘤的影响都是直接的,并且不是通过促进大豆生长间接促进的。因此氮和磷均是限制东北地区大豆结瘤和产量的因素,但氮是主导因素。若要获得大豆高产,氮肥施用量需要控制在50 kg/hm2,磷肥在40 kg/hm2;但若想最大的发挥大豆的结瘤固氮功能,那么应该不施或者减少氮肥的施用量到20 kg/hm2,磷肥仍在40 kg/hm2。     

Effects of hairy vetch foliage application on nodulation and nitrogen fixation in soybean cultivated in three soil types

We investigated the effects of applying hairy vetch foliage on nodulation and atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) fixation in soybean cultivated in three soil types in pot experiments. Soybean plants were grown in Gley Lowland soil (GLS), Non-allophanic Andosol (NAS), and Sand-dune Regosol (SDR) with hairy vetch foliage application in a greenhouse for 45 days. In GLS, the nodule number was not influenced by the application, however, nodule dry weight and N₂ fixation activity tended to increase. In NAS and SDR, nodule formation was depressed by foliage application. Soybean plant growth was promoted in GLS and SDR but not in NAS. These promotive effects of hairy vetch foliage application on soybean plant growth in GLS were considered to be mainly caused by the increase in N₂ fixation activity of the nodules, whereas it was considered to be mainly caused by the increase in nitrogen uptake activity of the roots in SDR. The varying effects of hairy vetch foliage application on soybean nodulation may be due to soil chemical properties such as pH and cation exchange capacity, which are related to soil texture. Therefore, we conclude that it is important to use hairy vetch for soybean cultivation based on the different effects of hairy vetch on soybean plant growth in different soil types.     

SOIL APPLIED COBALT AND COPPER ALTER THE RHIZOBIUM SYMBIOSIS AND GROWTH STATUS OF LABLAB PURPUREUS (L.) SWEET

A pot experiment was performed to investigate the effect of cobalt (Co) and copper (Cu) nutrition on nodulation, nodule activity and growth of Lablab purpureus plants growing in sandy clay loam soil collected from Toshka region in south of Egypt. The pots were given nutrient solution only once with addition of increasing levels of cobalt and copper (50, 100, 150 and 200 μg) as cobalt or copper sulfate solution. The present study has provided a new insight into the effect of cobalt and copper on nodulation and nodule physiology of Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet (kashrangeeg) that has not yet been examined. Thus, the present work suggest that Co and Cu application is essential for the enhancement of nodulation, nodule activity and growth of Lablab purpureus plants growing in sandy clay loam soil deficient for theses microelements.     

Effect of aluminum on soybean nodulation and nodule activity in a vertical split‐root system

Soybean plants (Glycine max L. cv Santa Rosa) grown hydroponically in nutrient solutions had reduced nodule mass and numbers in the presence of aluminum (Al). Reduced nodule number was attributed mainly to hydrogen (H) ion toxicity, whereas Al had a stronger effect on nodule growth. Using a vertical split‐root system with Al exclusively in the lower (hydroponic) layer also resulted in a significant reduction of nodulation and nodule growth in the surface compartment (vermiculite). This indirect effect could be attributed mainly to Al rather than H. Subsurface Al had no apparent effect on shoot growth or root growth of the upper compartment, but significantly limited root growth in the lower compartment where it was applied. The indirect effect of Al on nodulation could be a reflection of the abnormal root growth in the lower compartment. Split‐root experiments with a high Al soil, however, produced different effects. High Al in soil used exclusively in the lower compartment did not reduce nodule numbers or mass in the upper compartment despite being more harmful than the Al solutions to nodulation and growth of plants when used in a single compartment. Growth of roots in the subsurface compartment was also much less affected by the high soil Al compared with the Al‐containing nutrient solutions. Nodule activity, as estimated by xylem sap ureide levels, was only reduced after direct exposure of nodules to Al. A pronounced increase in the ratio of asparagine/glutamine occurred in all Al treatments where nodulation was reduced, and in some cases, there was an increase in total amino acid concentration of the xylem sap.     

Nodulation and nitrogen fixation of Lupinus species with Bradyrhizobium (lupin) strains in iron-deficient soil

 The effect of six Bradyrhizobium sp. (lupin) strains (WPBS 3201D, WPBS 3211D, USDA 3040, USDA 3041, USDA 3042 and CB 2272) and Fe supply on nodulation, N₂-fixation and growth of three lupin species (Lupinus termis, L. albus and L. triticale) grown under Fe deficiency in an alkaline soil, were examined in sterilized and non-sterilized pot experiments. When inoculated with USDA 3040, 3041, 3042 and CB2272 without Fe addition, the three lupin species had a very low nodule number and mass, low shoot and root dry matter accumulation and lower N yield. However, inoculation with WPBS 3201D and 3211D without Fe treatments increased all these parameters substantially. The ability of WPBS 3201D and 3211D to form nodules on the three lupin species under conditions of Fe stress could be attributed to their ability to scavenge Fe from Fe-deficient environments through their siderophore production. Addition of Fe to the other four strains significantly increased nodulation and N₂-fixation of the three lupin species, indicating that the poorer nodulation and N₂-fixation of these strains in the absence of Fe, resulted from a low ability to obtain Fe from alkaline soils. Bradyrhizobium strains WPBS 3201D and 3211D were superior to the other four strains in terms of promoting greater nodulation, N₂-fixation, plant growth and N accumulation of L. termis and L. albus. However, the other four strains were more efficient in symbiotic association with L. triticale. The greater variations in nodule efficiencies (specific nitrogenase activity) under different levels of Fe supply could be attributed to the quantities of bacteroid protein and leghaemoglobin in the nodules. The results suggested that Bradyrhizobium (lupin) strains differ greatly in their ability to obtain Fe from alkaline soils, and that the selection of bradyrhizobial strains which are tolerant of Fe deficient soils could complement plant breeding for the selection of legume crops for Fe-deficient soils. Received: 5 January 1998     

Low root zone temperature effects on bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants inoculated with Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. phaseoli pre-incubated with methyl jasmonate and/or genistein

Abstract

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) has recently been shown to act as a plant-to-bacteria signal. We tested the hypothesis that pre-induction of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. phaseoli cells with genistein and/or MeJA would at least partially overcome the negative effects of low root zone temperature (RZT) on bean nodulation, nitrogen fixation and plant growth. Otebo bean plants were grown at constant air temperature (25^oC) and two RZT regimes (25 and 17^oC) and inoculated with R. leguminosarum bv. phaseoli pre-induced with MeJA and/or genistein. Our results indicate that low RZT inhibited nodulation, nitrogen fixation and plant growth. The plants growing at low RZT began fixing nitrogen seven days later compared to those at higher RZT. The low RZT plants had fewer nodules, lower nodule weight, less N fixation, slower plant growth, fewer leaves, smaller leaf area, and less dry matter accumulation comared to plants at a higher RZT. Rhzobium leguminosarum bv. phaseoli cells induced with genistein and/or MeJA enhanced bean nodulation, nitrogen fixation and growth at both optimum and suboptimum RZTs. The results of this study indicate that MeJA improves bean nitrogen fixation and growth at both optimum and suboptimum RZTs, and can be used alone or in combination with genistein to partially overcome the low RZT induced inhibitory effects on nodulation and nitrogen fixation.     

Analysis of regulation site and manner of abundant nodulation in a soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) cultivar,kitantusunte, using grafting techniques

To characterize the regulation site and manner of the abundant nodulation in the soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) cv. Kitamusume, three grafting eperiments were carried out as follows: reciprocal wedge grafting and inter-cultivar approach grafting between Kitamusume and a normal nodulating cultivar, Toyosuzu, as well as wedge grafting of scions of the supernodulating mutant En6500 onto either Kitamusume or Toyosuzu rootstock. In the reciprocal wedge grafting, the number of nodules per shoot dry weight and average weight per nodule in the grafted plants were consistent with those exhibited by the genotype of their rootstocks. Approach grafting did not affect the number of nodules per shoot dry weight on either side of the inter-cultivar approachgrafted plant. Although grafting of the mutant scion resulted in the loss of the autoregulatory response from the roots of both cultivars, difference in the number of nodules per g shoot dry weight still remained between the two cultivars. These results suggested that the abundant nodulation in Kitamusume is controlled by the root in a non-systemic manner and is independent of the autoregulation mechanism.     

Low levels of ferredoxin, ATP and leghemoglobin contribute to limited N2 fixation of peas (Pisum sativum L.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) under S deficiency conditions

Sulphur (S) has become a major limiting factor for plant production in industrial as well as in remote industrial rural areas. Limitation of S can reduce legume N₂ fixation by affecting nodule development and function. In pot experiments with pea (Pisum sativum L.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), we investigated the influence of S on growth, ferredoxin, ATP and leghemoglobin concentrations. Addition of 200 mg S pot⁻¹ increased yield of shoots, roots and nodules of both plant species significantly. However, the influence of S on nodule yield formation was most pronounced. Pea and alfalfa roots were found to have higher S concentrations than shoots and being up to 2.9 times the S concentration in the shoots of peas under S-sufficient conditions. Sulphur addition also increased N₂ fixation significantly. The ferredoxin concentration in bacteroids of root nodules of pea was increased significantly by S only 10 weeks after planting and in bacteroids of root nodules of alfalfa 10 and 17 weeks after planting, while on per pot base the amounts of ferredoxin were higher throughout the experimental period of time. The ATP concentration of bacteroids of root nodules of both plant species as well as of mitochondria of root nodules of pea were significantly higher with optimum S supply. The effects of S deficiency on N₂ fixation are likely to be caused by the shortage of ferredoxin and ATP. The amount of leghemoglobin was reduced in comparison to nodules of the S-sufficient plants.