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Relative energy efficiency of nitrogen fixation by nodules of chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.) produced by different strains ofRhizobium

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Abstract

Hydrogen evolution from a nitrogenase-catalyzed reaction in nodules has been proposed as one of the main causes of inefficiency in theRhizobium-legume symbiosis. We have evaluated the energy efficiency of the nitrogen fixation by chickpeas as affected by specific strains ofRhizobium. All seventeen strains tested produced nodules that evolved amounts of hydrogen ranging from 2.4 to 7.5 μmol/h×g fresh nodule weight. The equivalent energy losses represented from 31% to 58% of the nitrogenase activity estimated as acetylene reduction. No hydrogen uptake hydrogenase activity was detected in any of the bacteroid suspensions from nodules produced by the strains examined. The need to select strains of chickpea rhizobia with higher energy efficiency to improve productivity is emphasized.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departamento de Microbiologia, E. T. S. de Ingenieros Agrónomos, Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid-3, Spain

    M. Ines Minguez & Tomas Ruiz-Argüeso

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  1. M. Ines Minguez
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  2. Tomas Ruiz-Argüeso
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Minguez, M.I., Ruiz-Argüeso, T. Relative energy efficiency of nitrogen fixation by nodules of chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.) produced by different strains ofRhizobium . Current Microbiology 4, 169–171 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02602823

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