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Index >> Actinorhizal Plants (Frankia Induced Nodulation) >>Gymnosperm Nodules

Gymnosperm Nodules

Gymnosperm Nodules
Several species of Podocarpus possess numerous small nodules on the root system. The nature of the endophyte in the nodule has been variously described in the literature but it is now clear that the most common endophyte is a non-septate fungus resembling the fungal component of endotrophic mycorrhizae.

The ability of the nodulated root system to fix nitrogen is a debatable point but recent studies have provided evidences to demonstrate that nodule-bearing roots reduce acetylene at a slow rate and accumulate 15N rather feebly when exposed to labelled nitrogen gas. Such results point out that root nodules of Podocarpus are not as vigorous in nitrogen fixation as their counterparts in angiosperms.

Mycorrhizal roots of many conifers, especially those of the genus Pinus were claimed earlier as nitrogen fixers but recent tests using acetylene reduction method and 15N enrichment technique have yielded results contrary to earlier findings. However, more critical studies are necessary to prove or disprove this point.

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