Article
Agronomy
Clemente Batista Soares Neto, Paula Rose Almeida Ribeiro, Paulo Ivan Fernandes-Junior, Leide Rovenia Miranda de Andrade, Jerri Edson Zilli, Ieda Carvalho Mendes, Helson Mario Martins do Vale, Euan Kevin James, Fabio Bueno dos Reis Junior
Summary: This study evaluated the presence and characteristics of nodulating bacteria in symbiosis with Mimosa spp. and identified Paraburkholderia sp. as the main bacteria present in the nodules. These bacteria effectively nodulated M. pudica but produced ineffective nodules in common bean. The results suggest that this symbiotic relationship may play a role in restoring ultramafic soils degraded by mining activity in Barro Alto areas.
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Sheng Liu, Jian Jiao, Chang-Fu Tian
Summary: There are variations in symbiotic performance of rhizobial strains associated with the same legume host in agriculture due to polymorphisms of symbiosis genes and unexplored variations in integration efficiency of symbiotic function. Experimental evolution and reverse genetic studies suggest that horizontal gene transfer of key symbiosis genes is necessary but insufficient for bacteria to establish an effective symbiosis. Further adaptive evolution and integration of accessory genes with the core network optimize symbiotic efficiency in various ecosystems and offer insights to develop elite rhizobial inoculants.
Review
Plant Sciences
Malinda S. Thilakarathna, Kevin R. Cope
Summary: Split-root assays are widely used in studies focusing on the regulatory mechanisms in legume-rhizobia symbioses, allowing separate treatment of divided root sections to monitor local and systemic plant responses. Various techniques can be used to establish split-root assemblies, mainly used in legume studies to understand mechanisms related to root nitrogen rhizodeposition, belowground nitrogen transfer, and nodulation regulation.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Rocky Putra, Rebecca K. Vandegeer, Shawan Karan, Jeff R. Powell, Susan E. Hartley, Scott N. Johnson
Summary: Two legume species respond differently to silicon, with significant effects on their growth and nitrogen fixation, influenced by plant genotype and symbiosis.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Adeyemi Oladapo Aremu, Lenka Plackova, Samson Olufemi Egbewale, Karel Dolezal, Anathi Magadlela
Summary: Cytokinins play a crucial role in the developmental stages of plants and their content can be influenced by environmental factors. The study found that the concentrations of CKs in legume plants were significantly affected by the soil types and locations they were grown in.
PHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Fabiane Paulitsch, Fabio Bueno dos Reis, Mariangela Hungria
Summary: Twenty years ago, beta-proteobacteria capable of nodulating and fixing N-2 during symbiosis with leguminous plants were discovered, challenging the long-standing belief that all rhizobia belonged exclusively to the alpha-Proteobacteria class. Through large-scale phylogenomic and taxonomic studies, clinically important and phytopathogenic members of Burkholderia have been separated from environmental ones.
ARCHIVES OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Marcos Andre Moura Dias, Claudia Silva Gomes Bomfim, Dalila Ribeiro Rodrigues, Aleksandro Ferreira da Silva, Jessica Caroline Souza Santos, Tailane Ribeiro do Nascimento, Lindete Miria Vieira Martins, Barbara Franca Dantas, Paula Rose de Almeida Ribeiro, Ana Dolores Santiago de Freitas, Paulo Ivan Fernandes-Junior
Summary: Rhizobia associated with Mimosa tenuiflora in Brazilian drylands exhibit high genetic diversity and symbiotic efficiency, with efficient beta-rhizobia similar to P. phenoliruptrix discovered in the Caatinga biome.
SYSTEMATIC AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Ravinder K. Goyal, Maria Augusta Schmidt, Michael F. Hynes
Summary: The importance of biological nitrogen fixation has decreased with the widespread use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers during the green revolution, due to their low cost and the lack of symbiotic associations with bacteria in staple crops. Recent advancements in symbiosis and nitrogen fixation, along with recombinant DNA technology, offer opportunities to increase symbiotically-driven nitrogen consumption globally.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaochen Lyu, Chunyan Sun, Jin Zhang, Chang Wang, Shuhong Zhao, Chunmei Ma, Sha Li, Hongyu Li, Zhenping Gong, Chao Yan
Summary: The specific mechanisms by which nitrogen affects nodulation and nitrogen fixation in leguminous crops are still unclear. This study investigates the effects of exogenous nitrogen on proteins and metabolites in soybean root nodules. The findings reveal that exogenous nitrogen regulates multiple metabolic pathways, promotes the synthesis of signaling molecules, and inhibits energy supply for nitrogen fixation, leading to reduced root nodule growth and nitrogen fixation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Canon Engoke Norris Savala, Alexander Nimo Wiredu, David Chikoye, Stephen Kyei-Boahen
Summary: Soybean production in Mozambique is increasing, but the demand for animal feed and oil is not satisfied. In order to improve yield, farmers are exploring the use of bio-inoculants. This study evaluated the performance of seven bio-inoculants from different countries and found that inoculation can improve plant growth, nodulation, and yield of soybean.
FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Lucas G. Castellani, Abril Luchetti, Juliet F. Nilsson, Julieta Perez-Gimenez, Caren Wegener, Andreas Schluter, Alfred Puhler, Antonio Lagares, Susana Brom, Mariano Pistorio, Karsten Niehaus, Gonzalo A. Torres Tejerizo
Summary: Biological nitrogen fixation is a major source of nitrogen into the biosphere, achieved through symbiosis between rhizobia and leguminous plants. Exopolysaccharides play a crucial role in establishing effective symbiosis between alfalfa and Ensifer meliloti. Rhizobium favelukesii LPU83 can infect alfalfa but lacks efficient nitrogen fixation, with different EPS biosynthesis gene organization compared to E. meliloti.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Clabe Wekesa, Abdul A. Jalloh, John O. Muoma, Hezekiah Korir, Keziah M. Omenge, John M. Maingi, Alexandra C. U. Furch, Ralf Oelmueller
Summary: This paper reviews the distribution, characterization, and commercialization of elite rhizobia strains in Africa, exploring their nitrogen fixation and contribution to soil fertility, as well as optimizing benefits for host plants under different soil and environmental conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Fabio Steiner, Mateus Vieira Trevisan, Alan Mario Zuffo, Rafael Felippe Ratke, Jorge Gonzalez Aguilera, Milko Raul Rivera Campano, Alejandro Manuel Ecos Espino, Jose Antonio Rodriguez Garcia, Hebert Hernan Soto Gonzales
Summary: The study investigated the efficiency of inoculation with Bradyrhizobium spp. and foliar application of molybdenum (Mo) on peanut crops, and found that inoculation with Bradyrhizobium spp. and Mo application significantly improved nodulation, nitrogen uptake, and grain yield of peanut plants. However, the effect of Mo application on grain yield was only significant under specific conditions.
JOURNAL OF PLANT NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Charlotte L. Thurston, Julie M. Grossman, Rebecca Fudge, Jude E. Maul, S. Mirsky, Nick Wiering
Summary: This study investigated the effects of cold temperatures on legume cover crop growth and symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF). The results showed that lower temperatures negatively affected legume cover crop growth and nodulation parameters, and the optimum temperature for SNF fell in the range of 15°C to 20°C. Winter conditions also had a negative impact on legume cover crop productivity, with hairy vetch showing the best growth response to spring warming.
Article
Agronomy
Hongyu Li, Lihong Wang, Zuowei Zhang, Aizheng Yang, Deping Liu
Summary: This study investigated the effects of phosphorus on nodule nitrogen fixation and nitrogen accumulation in soybeans under sand culture conditions. The results showed that different growth stages of soybean nodules have different requirements for phosphorus supply levels, and the nitrogen supply in different parts of soybean also varies with different growth periods and phosphorus supply concentrations.
Article
Ecology
Junjie Zhang, Shanshan Peng, Shuo Li, Jiangchun Song, Brigitte Brunel, Entao Wang, Euan K. James, Wenfeng Chen, Mitchell Andrews
Summary: The study revealed a high diversity of peanut rhizobia in Henan Province, including Bradyrhizobium guangdongense, B. ottawaense, and three novel Bradyrhizobium genospecies. These rhizobia were mainly associated with soil pH and available phosphorus content.
Article
Agronomy
Viviane Maria Barazetti, Eduardo Gross, George Andrade Sodre, Andrea Carla Dalmolin, Larissa Correa do Bomfim Costa, Miguel Antonio Quinteiro Ribeiro
Summary: This study evaluated the growth, leaf gas exchange, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi root colonization in three medicinal plants under different light intensities. The results showed that the medicinal plants exhibited higher growth and colonization rates when exposed to environments with 70% light availability. V. curassavica showed higher tolerance to light and F. chica and M. laevigata exhibited shade tolerance characteristics. These findings can serve as indicators for recommending the ideal cultivation environment for these species in agroforestry systems during the initial growth phase.
Article
Microbiology
Mitesh Khairnar, Ashwini Hagir, Krupa Parmar, R. Z. Sayyed, Euan K. James, Praveen Rahi
Summary: The fenugreek rhizobia in India are diverse and spatially distributed in different agro-climatic regions. Different sub-lineages of Ensifer meliloti exhibit varying symbiotic efficiency and plant growth-promoting potential. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the types and spatial distribution of fenugreek rhizobia.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Marta Maluk, Francesc Ferrando-Molina, Laura Lopez del Egido, Adrian Langarica-Fuentes, Genet Gebre Yohannes, Mark W. Young, Peter Martin, Richard Gantlett, Greg Kenicer, Cathy Hawes, Graham S. Begg, Richard S. Quilliam, Geoffrey R. Squire, J. Peter W. Young, Pietro P. M. Iannetta, Euan K. James
Summary: This study aims to assess the biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) potential of different varieties of faba bean without recent legume history and compare it with other sites in Britain. The results showed that faba bean can obtain most of its nitrogen through BNF, and recent legume cropping is not essential for effective nodulation in northern Europe.
Article
Agronomy
Viviane Maria Barazetti, Thamara Moura Lima, George Andrade Sodre, Eduardo Gross
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of organic fertilization and different plant densities on shoot biomass and secondary metabolite production of three medicinal plants in agroforestry systems. The results showed that under suitable fertilization and plant density conditions, these three medicinal plants can be effectively produced in agroforestry systems.
AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Barbara Karpinska, Nurhayati Razak, Euan K. James, Jenny A. Morris, Susan R. Verrall, Peter E. Hedley, Robert D. Hancock, Christine H. Foyer
Summary: The WHIRLY DNA/RNA binding proteins play important roles in leaf development, particularly in regulating chloroplast development and transcription. Knockdown of WHY1 in barley lines resulted in slower development and changes in certain transcripts and metabolites compared to the wild type.
BIOCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Jordana Grazziela A. Coelho dos Reis, Geovane Marques Ferreira, Alice Aparecida Lourenco, Agata Lopes Ribeiro, Camila Pacheco da Silveira Martins da Mata, Patricia de Melo Oliveira, Daisymara Priscila de Almeida Marques, Linziane Lopes Ferreira, Felipe Alves Clarindo, Murillo Ferreira da Silva, Heitor Portella Povoas Filho, Nilson Roberto Ribeiro Oliveira, Maisah Meyhr D'Carmo Sodre, Sandra Rocha Gadelha, George Rego Albuquerque, Bianca Mendes Maciel, Ana Paula Melo Mariano, Mylene de Melo Silva, Renato Fontana, Lauro Juliano Marin, Renata Santiago Alberto Carlos, Amanda Teixeira Sampaio Lopes, Fabricio Barbosa Ferreira, Uener Ribeiro dos Santos, Iris Terezinha Santos de Santana, Hllytchaikra Ferraz Fehlberg, Rachel Passos Rezende, Joao Carlos T. Dias, Eduardo Gross, Gisele Assis Castro Goulart, Marie Gabriele Santiago, Ana Paula Motta Lavigne de Lemos, Aline O. da Conceicao, Carla Cristina Romano, Luciana Debortoli de Carvalho, Olindo Assis Martins Filho, Claudio Almeida Quadros, David L. Morris, Sarah J. Valle
Summary: This study evaluated the mucolytic and anti-inflammatory effects of BromAc (R) in tracheal aspirate samples from critically ill COVID-19 patients. The results showed that BromAc (R) had a significant mucolytic effect and reduced the action of cytokine storm, indicating its potential as a pharmacological treatment for COVID-19.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lazarus Mavima, Chrizelle W. Beukes, Marike Palmer, Sofie E. De Meyer, Euan K. James, Marta Maluk, Muthama A. Muasya, Juanita R. Avontuur, Wai Yin Chan, Stephanus N. Venter, Emma T. Steenkamp
Summary: This study investigates the taxonomic status of rhizobial isolates from South African legume hosts. The isolates were initially identified as P. tuberum but were classified into two putative species clusters. Analysis of nucleotide identity confirmed the high genome similarity between isolates of one cluster and P. tuberum sensu stricto. A new taxon, P. podalyriae sp. nov., was proposed for the members of the other cluster associated with a single species of Podalyria.
SYSTEMATIC AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Bhawana Chouhan, Nisha Tak, Garima Bissa, Dibyendu Adhikari, Saroj K. Barik, Janet Sprent, Euan K. James, Shweta Jha, Hukam S. Gehlot
Summary: Diverse strains of root-nodule bacterial species were isolated from Leucaena leucocephala in different regions of India, including Ensifer, Mesorhizobium, Rhizobium, and Bradyrhizobium. The genetic diversity and lateral gene transfer play significant roles in the diversity of the Ensifer strains.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Sergio M. de Faria, Jens J. Ringelberg, Eduardo Gross, Erik J. M. Koenen, Domingos Cardoso, George K. D. Ametsitsi, John Akomatey, Marta Maluk, Nisha Tak, Hukam S. Gehlot, Kathryn M. Wright, Neung Teaumroong, Pongpan Songwattana, Haroldo C. de Lima, Yves Prin, Charles E. Zartmann, Janet Sprent, Julie Ardley, Colin E. Hughes, Euan K. James
Summary: Nitrogen-fixing symbiosis is globally important, but the evolutionary history of nodulation is still debated. Recent evidence suggests a single origin of nodulation followed by massive parallel losses. Nodulation is mainly restricted to the subfamilies Papilionoideae and Caesalpinioideae within legumes, with the latter showing more stable retention of nodulation. In the subfamily Caesalpinioideae, two types of nodule anatomy were characterized: fixation thread nodules (FTs) and symbiosomes (SYMs). Using a phylogenomic tree, it was found that losses of nodulation are more common in lineages with FTs. The evolution of symbiosomes allows for a more intimate and enduring symbiosis, resulting in greater stability of nodulation in this species-rich clade of pantropical legumes.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Diana Hernandez-Oaxaca, Karen L. Claro-Mendoza, Marco A. Rogel, Monica Rosenblueth, Jorge A. Velasco-Trejo, Enrique Alarcon-Gutierrez, Jose Antonio Garcia-Perez, Julio Martinez-Romero, Euan K. James, Esperanza Martinez-Romero
Summary: This study identified diverse Bradyrhizobium nodulating symbionts from native American trees and UK botanical garden soil. Whole genome analysis revealed five novel Bradyrhizobium genomospecies from Mexican trees and identified the species of UK isolates. Despite genetic distances and different hosts, Inga vera and Lysiloma symbionts shared a common set of nod genes, indicating the production of specific lipochitooligosaccharides. Some isolates showed potential as plant inoculants.
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
Euan K. James
JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
J. Peter W. Young, Beatriz Jorrin, Sara Moeskjaer, Euan K. James
Summary: Genomic evidence suggests that the Rhizobium leguminosarum species complex contains numerous distinct species, potentially 18 or more. Aside from the previously named R. leguminosarum (gsE) and Rhizobium ruizarguesonis (gsC), three additional genospecies are formally described and named based on publicly available genome sequences for multiple strains of each species. Each species forms a well-supported clade in a phylogeny constructed using 120 concatenated core genes and is characterized by unique genes that are absent or rare in other species.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jesus Montiel, Ivette Garcia-Soto, Euan K. James, Dugald Reid, Luis Cardenas, Selene Napsucialy-Mendivil, Shaun Ferguson, Joseph G. Dubrovsky, Jens Stougaard
Summary: This study demonstrates the crucial role of the regulation of aromatic amino acid biosynthesis in sustaining root hair growth and establishing symbiotic relationships in the legume Lotus japonicus. The enzyme DAHPS1 is found to be critical for root hair development and for the symbioses with both rhizobial and mycorrhizal microbes. Mutants lacking DAHPS1 show altered root hair morphology, reduced symbiotic interactions, and downregulation of cell wall-related genes.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Paula Belles-Sancho, Chrizelle Beukes, Euan K. James, Gabriella Pessi
Summary: This review focuses on the nitrogen-fixing symbionts of the beta-rhizobial genus Paraburkholderia, including the highly versatile strain P. phymatum STM815(T) that exhibits extraordinary features such as its ability to form symbiotic relationships with a wide range of legume species and withstand challenging soil conditions.
