Legume Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.4, 163-175 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/lgg 172 symbiovars. Furthermore, the comparative genomics of rhizobia strains has underscored the complexity and variability of symbiotic genes, suggesting the absence of a simple core symbiome. The genetic mechanisms underlying the symbiosis, including the role of antimicrobial peptides and the regulation of nitrogen fixation, have also been explored, providing insights into the intricate interactions between host plants and symbiotic bacteria. The findings from this study have significant implications for future research and agricultural practices. Understanding the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary history of nitrogen-fixing symbiosis can guide the development of more efficient and resilient legume crops. The identification of key symbiotic genes and their regulatory mechanisms opens avenues for genetic engineering to enhance nitrogen fixation capabilities in non-leguminous crops, potentially reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers and promoting sustainable agriculture. Additionally, the insights into the genetic diversity and horizontal gene transfer events among symbiotic bacteria can inform the selection and breeding of more effective and adaptable rhizobial strains for use in different environmental conditions. Future research should focus on unraveling the molecular pathways and regulatory networks involved in symbiosis, as well as exploring the potential for transferring these traits to other plant species. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of nitrogen-fixing symbiosis in Fabaceae is of paramount importance for both scientific and practical reasons. This knowledge not only advances our comprehension of plant-microbe interactions and evolutionary biology but also holds the key to addressing global challenges related to food security and environmental sustainability. By harnessing the natural ability of legumes to fix atmospheric nitrogen, we can develop agricultural systems that are less dependent on synthetic fertilizers, thereby reducing environmental pollution and enhancing soil health. Moreover, the insights gained from studying these mechanisms can be applied to improve crop yields and resilience, contributing to more sustainable and productive agricultural practices. Ultimately, the continued exploration of nitrogen-fixing symbiosis at the molecular level will pave the way for innovative solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing humanity today. Acknowledgments The authors extend sincere thanks to two anonymous peer reviewers for their feedback on the manuscript. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. References Aasfar A., Bargaz A., Yaakoubi K., Hilali A., Bennis I., Zeroual Y., and Kadmiri I., 2021, Nitrogen fixing azotobacter species as potential soil biological enhancers for crop nutrition and yield stability, Frontiers in Microbiology, 12: 628379. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2021.628379 Battenberg K., Potter D., Tabuloc C., Chiu J., and Berry A., 2018, Comparative transcriptomic analysis of two actinorhizal plants and the legume Medicago truncatula supports the homology of root nodule symbioses and is congruent with a two-step process of evolution in the nitrogen-fixing clade of angiosperms, Frontiers in Plant Science, 9: 1256. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2018.01256 Bellenger J., Darnajoux R., Zhang X., and Kraepiel A., 2020, Biological nitrogen fixation by alternative nitrogenases in terrestrial ecosystems: a study, Biogeochemistry, 149: 53-73. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10533-020-00666-7 Bellés-Sancho P., Liu Y., Heiniger B., Salis E., Eberl L., Ahrens C., Zamboni N., Bailly A., and Pessi G., 2022, A novel function of the key nitrogen-fixation activator NifA in beta-rhizobia: repression of bacterial auxin synthesis during symbiosis, Frontiers in Plant Science, 13: 991548. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.991548 Berger A., Boscari A., Araújo N., Maucourt M., Hanchi M., Bernillon S., Rolin D., Puppo A., and Brouquisse R., 2020, Plant nitrate reductases regulate nitric oxide production and nitrogen-fixing metabolism during the Medicago truncatula-Sinorhizobium meliloti symbiosis, Frontiers in Plant Science, 11: 1313. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2020.01313 Brear E., Bedon F., Gavrin A., Kryvoruchko I., Torres-Jerez I., Udvardi M., Day D., and Smith P., 2020, GmVTL1a is an iron transporter on the symbiosome membrane of soybean with an important role in nitrogen fixation, The New Phytologist, 228(2): 667-681. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.16734
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