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. 1994 Jan;104(1):85–90. doi: 10.1104/pp.104.1.85

Essentiality of Boron for Symbiotic Dinitrogen Fixation in Pea (Pisum sativum) Rhizobium Nodules.

L Bolanos 1, E Esteban 1, C De Lorenzo 1, M Fernandez-Pascual 1, M R De Felipe 1, A Garate 1, I Bonilla 1
PMCID: PMC159165  PMID: 12232064

Abstract

The effect of boron deficiency on symbiotic nitrogen fixation in pea (Pisum sativum) was examined. The absence of boron in the culture medium resulted in a decrease of the number of nodules and an alteration of nodule development leading to an inhibition of nitrogenase activity. Examination of boron-deficient nodules showed dramatic changes in cell walls and in both peribacteroid and infection thread membranes, suggesting a role for boron in the stability of these structures. These results indicate that boron is a requirement for normal nodule development and functionality.

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Selected References

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