Lotus japonicus regulates root nodulation and nitrogen fixation dependent on the molecular form of nitrogen fertilizer

Legumes form root nodules to gain fixed nitrogen from rhizobia and can also access in soil. Data suggest that plants might discriminate among these sources optimize growth, but recognition of symbiotically its regulation remain poorly understood. A greenhouse inoculation study manipulated the molecular concentration available using two Lotus japonicus genotypes nitrogen-fixing symbiont, Mesorhizobium loti. Plants were supplied with sole organic inorganic simulate forms receive symbiotic fixation or Host benefit symbiosis was investigated by quantifying trait variation isotopic analysis fixation. growth varied response fertilization alanine, aspartic acid, ammonium, nitrate, suggesting differences catabolism efficiency. Net benefits nodulation reduced eliminated under all extrinsic fertilization. However, even when imposed significant costs, hosts did not reduce investment into exposed unlike other sources. L. adaptively downregulate presence some Failure any aspect acid suggests it be jamming main signal used detect