Researchers at the University of Cambridge demonstrate that the plant hormone gibberellin (GA) is essential for the formation and maturation of nitrogen-fixing root nodules in legumes and can also increase nodule size.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge demonstrate that the plant hormone gibberellin (GA) is essential for the formation and maturation of nitrogen-fixing root nodules in legumes and can also increase nodule size.
They identify the specific times and location where GA governs the initiation, growth and function of nodules. These findings help to reconcile conflicting reports suggesting GA both inhibited and was required for nodulation by pinpointing the zones where GA is essential.
Cereal crops like wheat, maize and rice are nitrogen-hungry crops and depend heavily on synthetic fertilisers to meet their nitrogen needs. However, synthetic nitrogen fertilisers require an enormous amount of energy to manufacture, are expensive for farmers and cause negative environmental impacts like water pollution.
Read more at: University of Cambridge
GA accumulates early in the nodule development and persist in the nodule apex. (Photo Credit: Colleen Drapek, Sainsbury Laboratory, University of Cambridge)
