Delayed maturation of nodules reduces symbiotic effectiveness of the Lotus japonicus-Rhizobium sp. NGR234 interaction.

ABSTRACT: Lotus japonicus, a model legume, develops an efficient, nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with Mesorhizobium loti that promotes plant growth. Lotus japonicus also forms functional nodules with Rhizobium sp. NGR234 and R. etli. Yet, in a plant defence-like reaction, nodules induced by R. etli quickly degenerate, thus limiting plant growth. In contrast, nodules containing NGR234 are long-lasting. It was found that NGR234 initiates nodule formation in a similar way to M. loti MAFF303099, but that the nodules which develop on eleven L. japonicus ecotypes are less efficient in fixing nitrogen. Detailed examination of nodulation of L. japonicus cultivar MG-20 revealed that symbiosomes formed four weeks after inoculation by NGR234 are enlarged in comparison with MAFF303099 and contain multiple bacteroids

SUBMITTER: Schumpp O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2651464 | biostudies-literature | 2009

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature