Leaf-residing Methylobacterium species fix nitrogen and promote biomass and seed production in Jatropha curcas.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Jatropha curcas L. (Jatropha) is a potential biodiesel crop that can be cultivated on marginal land because of its strong tolerance to drought and low soil nutrient content. However, seed yield remains low. To enhance the commercial viability and green index of Jatropha biofuel, a systemic and coordinated approach must be adopted to improve seed oil and biomass productivity. Here, we present our investigations on the Jatropha-associated nitrogen-fixing bacteria with an aim to understand and exploit the unique biology of this plant from the perspective of plant-microbe interactions.

Results

An analysis of 1017 endophytic bacterial isolates derived from different parts of Jatropha revealed that diazotrophs were abundant and diversely distributed into five classes be

SUBMITTER: Madhaiyan M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4687150 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature