Bacterial N2-fixation in mangrove ecosystems: insights from a diazotroph-mangrove interaction.

ABSTRACT: Mangrove forests are highly productive ecosystems but represent low nutrient environments. Nitrogen availability is one of the main factors limiting mangrove growth. Diazotrophs have been identified as key organisms that provide nitrogen to these environments. N2-fixation by such organisms was found to be higher in the mangrove roots than in surrounding rhizosphere. Moreover, previous studies showed that mangroves grew better in the presence of N2-fixers indicating a potentially mutualistic relationship. However, the molecular signals and mechanisms that govern these interactions are still poorly understood. Here we present novel insights in the interaction of a diazotroph with a mangrove species to improve our understanding of the molecular and ecophysiological relationship between these

SUBMITTER: Alfaro-Espinoza G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4426756 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature