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Molecular Biology and Ecology of Diazotrophs Associated with Non-Leguminous Plants

Bio/Technology volume 2, pages 967–978 (1984)Cite this article

An Erratum to this article was published on 01 February 1985

Abstract

Only some prokaryotes have evolved the genetic information for nitrogen fixation. These prokaryotes, when associated with plants, can contribute to their growth by providing reduced nitrogen (ammonia). The genetics of nitrogen fixation was elucidated in Klebsietta pneumoniae, where it was found that 17 genes, regulated through sophisticated mechanisms, were required. Studies on the genes involved in other bacteria are in progress. Nitrogen fixation by non-legumes is quantitatively important. Efficient symbiosis between actinomycetes and trees, and between cyanobacteria and various plants are known and can be exploited on ecological and agronomic bases. Numerous species of nitrogen-fixing bacteria proliferate in the root zone of grasses and appear to have potential as fertilizer.

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  1. Unité de Physiologic Cellulaire, Département de Biochimie et Génétique Moléculaire, Institut Pasteur, 28 rue du Dr Roux, 75724, Paris, Cedex 15, France

    Claudine Elmerich

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Elmerich, C. Molecular Biology and Ecology of Diazotrophs Associated with Non-Leguminous Plants. Nat Biotechnol 2, 967–978 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt1184-967

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