Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Effects of desiccation and rehydration on nitrogen fixation by epiphylls in a tropical rainforest

  • Published:
Microbial Ecology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Nitrogen fixation rates by epiphyllous microorganisms are affected by desiccation. Rates from leaf samples which had been dried for 12 h were 0.66 ng N/10 cm2/h. In contrast, rates from leaves which had been kept continuously wet were 18.69 ng N/10 cm2/h. Leaf samples which had been rehydrated for 2 and 4 h showed intermediate fixation rates (4.26 and 9.76 ng N/10 cm2/h, respectively). Epiphyllous bryophytes maintain moist conditions on the leaf surface and thus create a microenvironment suitable for prolonged fixation by the microorganisms.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Balandreau, J., C. Millier, and Y. Dommergues: Diurnal variations of nitrogenase activity in the field. Appl. Microbiol.27, 622–25 (1974)

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Bentley, B. L.: Nitrogen contribution of epiphylls to a tropical rainforest ecosystem.

  3. Bentley, B. L., and E. J. Carpenter: Nitrogen fixation epiphylls in a tropical rainforest: a preliminary report. J. Trop. Ecol. (in press)

  4. Bentley, B. L., E. J. Carpenter, and A. R. Bien: The effects of light on nitrogen fixation by epiphylls in a tropical rainforest. J. Phycol. (1979)

  5. Berrie, J. K., and J. M. O. Eze: The relationship between an epiphyllous liverwort and host leaves. Ann. Bot.39, 955–63 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  6. Burns, R. H.: Nitrogen fixation—assay methods and techniques. Methods Enzymol.24, 415–431 (1972)

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Fogg, G. E., W. D. P. Stewart, P. Fay, and A. E. Walsby: The Bluegreen Algae. Academic Press, New York (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  8. Postgate, J. R., and S. Hill: Nitrogen fixation. In J. M. Lynch and N. J. Poole (eds.): Microbiol. Ecology, pp. 191–213. John Wiley and Sons, New York (1979)

    Google Scholar 

  9. Ruinen, J.: The phyllosphere. III. Nitrogen fixation in the phyllosphere. Plant Soil22, 375–394 (1965)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Ruinen, J.: Nitrogen fixation in the phyllosphere. In W. D. P. Stewart (ed.): Nitrogen Fixation by Free-Living Microorganisms, International Biological Program, Meeting, Edinburgh, Scotland, Sept. 1973. Cambridge University Press, London (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  11. Schnell, C. E.: Handbook for Tropical Biology in Costa Rica, Organization for Tropical Studies, San José, Costa Rica (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  12. Stewart, W. D. P.: Blue-green algae. In R. W. F. Hardy and W. S. Silver (eds.): A treatise on Dinitrogen Fixation. Section III: Biology, pp. 63–124. John Wiley and Sons, New York (1977)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ecology and Evolution, and Marine Sciences Research Center, State University of New York at Stony Brook, 11794, Long Island, New York

    Barbara L. Bentley & Edward J. Carpenter

Authors
  1. Barbara L. Bentley
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Edward J. Carpenter
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Bentley, B.L., Carpenter, E.J. Effects of desiccation and rehydration on nitrogen fixation by epiphylls in a tropical rainforest. Microb Ecol 6, 109–113 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02010549

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02010549

Keywords

Search

Navigation