The native distribution of a common legume shrub is limited by the range of its nitrogen‐fixing mutualist

• DOI: 10.1111/nph.19577
• Publication Date: 2024-02-10T07:29:50Z
• Authors: Moshe Alon; Yoni Waitz; Omri M. Finkel; Efrat Sheffer
• Keywords: Vicia villosa; Villosa; Bradyrhizobium; Mutualism

Summary Plant–microbe mutualisms, such as the legume‐rhizobium symbiosis, are influenced by geographical distributions of both partners. However, limitations on native range legumes, resulting from absence a compatible mutualist, have rarely been explored. We used combination large‐scale field survey and controlled experiments to determine realized niche Calicotome villosa , an abundant widespread legume shrub. Soil type was major factor affecting distribution abundance C. . In addition, we found large region within its in which neither nor Bradyrhizobium bacterial genus that associates with it, were present. Seedlings grown soil this failed nodulate deficient nitrogen. Inoculation isolated root nodules resulted formation higher growth rate, leaf N shoot biomass compared un‐inoculated plants. present evidence for exclusion parts mutualist. This result highlights importance co‐distribution host plant mutualist when attempting understand future legumes.