Symbiotic nitrogen‐fixing root nodules of Lathyrus maritimus (L.) Bigel (beach pea) from Newfoundland shore lines with special reference to oleosomes (lipid bodies)

Abstract

Lathyrus maritimus (L.) Bigel, commonly known as beach pea, grows along the shorelines of Newfoundland, Canada. Rhizobia have been isolated from the subterranean root nodules and the cultures were induced to nodulate seedlings raised in the laboratory. The nodules collected from the field were elongated and sometimes branched with proximal ends thickened. Histological characteristics revealed their indeterminate perennial form. Oleosomes (lipid bodies) were present in the nodule tissues. Morphometric analysis showed their presence in the nodule cortex cells throughout all developmental stages, but they were found in the infected cells only during the early stages of infection and symbiosis. It is suggested that oleosomes are utilized for membrane and rhizobial proliferation during establishment of symbiosis in the infected cells. The role of oleosomes in the cortical cells remains unclear.

Rhizobium anhuiense as the predominant microsymbionts of Lathyrus maritimus along the Shandong Peninsula seashore line

“…The available phosphorus (AP) content was determined by means of a colorimetric method [29]. The available potassium (AK) content was measured by means of NH 4 OAc-extraction and the flame photometer method at a wavelength of 767 nm [20]. Total nitrogen (TN) content was measured with the standard acid titration method [29].…”

“…As a leguminous plant, its aerial parts are rich in protein and can be used as fodder [6,10]. Indeterminate nodules and high nitrogen fixation ability, especially nitrogen fixation in relatively low temperature conditions, have been recorded for this plant [4,7,9]. To date, little information on the diversity of beach pea rhizobia has been available.…”

Nodulation of groundnut byBradyrhizobium: a simple infection process by crack entry

“…Lipid bodies were shown to be utilised under photosynthate stress caused by extending dark periods or detopping of plants, allowing for undiminished nitrogen fixation for up to 2 days [78, 162, 163]. Oleosomes have also been found in nodules of S. rostrata [164], the cool–temperate (sub)arctic legumes Lathyrus maritimus [165]and Oxytropis maydelliana [166], and Aes. fluminensis [50].…”

Nodulation of beach pea (Lathyrus maritimus [L.] Bigel.) induced by different strains of rhizobia

“…1). As pointed out by Barimah-Asare and Bal (1994), oleosomes are not involved in nitrogen fixation process per se in beach pea, but they may serve as energy reserve for over-wintering (Bal and Khatmalas 1996). In the present investigation also, nitrogen-fixing traits do not correlate with the number of oleosomes in the nodule.…”

“…These nodules are of the indeterminate type, having a meristem capable of continuous growth (Barimah-Asare and Bal 1994), undergoing dormancy over the cold winters when the aerial part of the plant dries out. With the advent of spring, the nodule meristem is activated to produce effective nodule tissues for nitrogen fixation.…”