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Reduction of acetylene by nodules of Trifolium subterraneum as affected by root temperature, Rhizobium strain and host cultivar

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Summary

The nitrogenase activity (measured by reduction of C2H2 to C2H4) of nodules of Trifolium subterraneum grown at root temperatures from 7°C–19°C was broadly correlated with nitrogen fixation. Root temperature did not affect enzyme activity per se but did affect the amount of enzyme formed. Exposure of nodules to 7°C for 24 h did not decrease activity cf. 19°C. Activity was greatest when nodules were about 4 days old, before swollen bacteroid forms were produced, and then declined. The effectiveness of a bacterial strain at a given temperature was related to the amount of enzyme produced and to its persistence. Nitrogenase activity should be measured throughout the plant growth cycle for valid comparisons of strain effectiveness.

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  1. R. J. Roughley

    Present address: Division Science Services, N.S.W. Department of Agriculture, P.M.B. No. 10, Rydalmere, N.S.W., Australia

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Soil Microbiology Department, Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden

    R. J. Roughley & P. J. Dart

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  1. R. J. Roughley
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  2. P. J. Dart
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Roughley, R.J., Dart, P.J. Reduction of acetylene by nodules of Trifolium subterraneum as affected by root temperature, Rhizobium strain and host cultivar. Archiv. Mikrobiol. 69, 171–179 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00409761

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00409761

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