Nitrogen fixation rates and aerial root production among maize landraces.

ABSTRACT: In Mexico, the center of maize origin (Zea mays ssp. mays), there are landraces from the highlands that develop extensive aerial root systems which secrete a carbohydrate-rich mucilage. This mucilage produces a favorable environment for nitrogenase activity by diazotrophs. This plant-microbial interaction enables the fixation of nitrogen (N) from the atmosphere, reducing the required N that otherwise must come from the soil and/or fertilizers. The objective of this research was to investigate the degree to which other landraces of maize and nutrient management affect aerial root growth and the ability of maize to perform and benefit from N₂ fixation. In two replicated field experiments in Columbus, Ohio, USA in 2019 and 2020, we planted 21 maize landraces and three

SUBMITTER: Connolly LN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11811074 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature