Nodulation of non-legumes by rhizobia

Abstract

In discussing required inputs from basic studies to applied nitrogen fixation research, Gibson (1) has highlighted three major areas which must be investigated if much of the basic research is to become of practical benefit. These include (i) the development of improved nitrogen fixing strains of rhizobia, cyanobacteria, Azospirillum and Frankia species by molecular biology techniques, coupled with physiological studies relating to the ability of such engineered microorganisms to survive in the soil, (ii) the production, storage, transport and application of inoculants and (iii) the control by the host plant of the development of various symbiotic associations and subsequent nitrogen fixation. His belief was that the objective of nitrogen self-sufficiency for agriculturally important plants was most likely to be achieved through symbiotic associations similar to those occurring in legume or actinorhizal nodules.