The Function of Novel Genes and Signals in the Development and Regulation of Legume–Rhizobia Symbiosis
A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Molecular Biology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2021) | Viewed by 581
Special Issue Editors
Interests: novel signalling peptides; legume nodule regulation; root development.
Interests: novel regulatory pathways or factors controlling the rate of nodule development and nodule numbers.
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Legumes offer incomparable advantages over cereal crops and are vital to the development of sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices. This is due to their reduced nitrogen fertiliser requirements as a beneficial symbiosis with soil-borne bacteria, known as rhizobia, allows them to harness biologically fixed atmospheric di-nitrogen. The symbiosis is signified by the production of novel root organs called nodules. These structures are the perfect niche for the bacteria, which are provided with photoassimilates in exchange for ammonia to fulfill most of the plant’s nitrogen needs. The entire nodulation process is highly coordinated and relies on complex phytohormone and molecular signalling interactions within and between the host plant and bacteria. Indeed, some of these signalling pathways can even inhibit nodulation in energetically unfavourable conditions. External and internal cues enable the legume hosts to adjust their overall nodulation strategy and strike a balance between resource investment and nitrogen requirements via coordinated regulation of rhizobia infection, nodule morphogenesis, senescence, and nitrogen fixation.
Although we have roughly mapped the molecular networks for nodule development and regulation pathways, our current understanding is far from sufficient to harness the full potential of legumes. This Special Issue aims to promote and disseminate insightful research achievements regarding the underlying mechanisms and novel regulatory factors across all the developmental stages of legume nodulation. Such findings will be of great value to realise our ultimate goal of developing superior legume crop and pasture species that can adapt to challenging environments while delivering high-quality protein sources.
Dr. April Hastwell
Dr. Mengbai Zhang
Dr. Xitong Chu
Guest Editors
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Keywords
- genes
- legume
- molecular signalling
- biological nitrogen fixation
- nodule organogenesis
- rhizobia
- root nodule
- symbiosis
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