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Direct transfer of newly-fixed nitrogen from free-living epiphyllous microorganisms to their host plant

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Summary

Nitrogen fixed by epiphyllous microorganisms on the surfaces of Welfia georgii pinnae was transferred to the host leaf. Rates of transfer could account for 10–25% of the N content of the leaf. These data represent the first time that direct transfer of N from free-living N fixers can occur through the leaf surface.

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Author notes

  1. Barbara L. Bentley

    Present address: Department of Ecology and Evolution, State University of New York, 11794, Stony Brook, New York, USA

  2. Edward J. Carpenter

    Present address: Marine Science Research Center, State University of New York, 11794, Stony Brook, New York, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Finca La Selva of the Organization for Tropical Studies, Heredia Province, Costa Rica

    Barbara L. Bentley & Edward J. Carpenter

Authors
  1. Barbara L. Bentley
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  2. Edward J. Carpenter
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Bentley, B.L., Carpenter, E.J. Direct transfer of newly-fixed nitrogen from free-living epiphyllous microorganisms to their host plant. Oecologia 63, 52–56 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00379784

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00379784

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