Nodule Function in Symbiotic Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea L.) and Kersting's Bean (Macrotyloma geocarpum L.) is Tolerant of Nitrate in the Root Medium
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Media type:
E-Article
Title:
Nodule Function in Symbiotic Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea L.) and Kersting's Bean (Macrotyloma geocarpum L.) is Tolerant of Nitrate in the Root Medium
Description:
<p>Nitrogen-fixing activity in two nodulated African legumes, Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L.) and Kersting's bean (Macrotyloma geocarpum L.), was assessed in the presence of nitrate (NO₃⁻) ions in the rooting medium. Nitrogenase activity was unimpaired by the supply of 5 mol m⁻3 NO₃ to both species. Also, large concentrations of ureides dominated the transpiration stream of NO₃-fed plants. Compared to other symbiotic legumes cultured with similar NO₃ concentrations, nodule functioning in the tested landraces of Bambara groundnut and Kersting's bean is tolerant of NO₃ ions in the rhizosphere. The potential benefits of such naturally occurring NO₃-tolerant symbioses are substantial, as they would permit inorganic N fertilizer application in intercropping systems without inhibiting N₂ fixation in the associated legumes.</p>