Robust biological nitrogen fixation in a model grass–bacterial association

• DOI: 10.1111/tpj.12777
• Publication Date: 2015-01-28T12:05:00Z
• Authors: Vânia C. S. Panki...; Fernanda P. do Am...; Karina F. D. N. S...; Beverly Agtuca; Youwen Xu; Michael J. Schueller; Ana Carolina M. A...; Maria. B.R. Steffens; Emanuel M. de Souza; Fábio O. Pedrosa; Gary Stacey; Richard A. Ferrieri
• Keywords: Setaria viridis; Azospirillum brasilense

Summary Nitrogen‐fixing rhizobacteria can promote plant growth; however, it is controversial whether biological nitrogen fixation ( BNF ) from associative interaction contributes to growth promotion. The roots of Setaria viridis , a model C 4 grass, were effectively colonized by bacterial inoculants resulting in significant enhancement growth. Nitrogen‐13 tracer studies provided direct evidence for uptake the host and incorporation into protein. Indeed, plants showed robust under nitrogen‐limiting conditions when inoculated with an ammonium‐excreting strain Azospirillum brasilense . 11 C‐labeling experiments that patterns central carbon metabolism resource allocation exhibited nitrogen‐starved largely reversed inoculation, such they resembled grown nitrogen‐sufficient conditions. Adoption S. as should research mechanisms ultimate goal greater adoption sustainable crop production.