Molecular Microbiology Research 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 188-197 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mmr 188 Research Insight Open Access A Systematic Analysis of Legume-Rhizobium Symbiosis: From Soil Microbiology to Agricultural Implications Tianxia Guo , Jing Fu Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang College, Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: 3048511772@qq.com Molecular Microbiology Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.4 doi: 10.5376/mmr.2024.14.0021 Received: 20 Jun., 2024 Accepted: 02 Aug., 2024 Published: 18 Aug., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Guo and Fu, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Guo T.X., and Fu J., 2024, A systematic analysis of legume-rhizobium symbiosis: from soil microbiology to agricultural implications, Molecular Microbiology Research, 14(4): 188-197 (doi: 10.5376/mmr.2024.14.0021) Abstract The symbiotic relationship between leguminous plants and rhizobia plays an important role in agricultural production and environmental protection. Through the process of nitrogen fixation, rhizobia provide legumes with the nitrogen source they need to grow, reducing their reliance on chemical fertilizers, thereby increasing crop yields and promoting soil health. In this study, the symbiotic relationship between leguminous plants and rhizobia was systematically analyzed. The diversity of rhizobia in soil and its living conditions, including signal exchange and genetic regulation during nodule formation and development, were discussed. Through case studies, this study demonstrates the successful application of symbiotic relationships in different agro-ecosystems and analyzes the challenges of comparative research and practice under different climatic conditions. The aim of this study is to provide a theoretical basis for further improving the symbiosis efficiency of leguminous plants and rhizobia, and to put forward suggestions for agricultural practice, which is of great practical significance. Keywords Symbiosis; Leguminous plants; Hizobia; Nitrogen fixation; Soil microbiology; Agricultural applications; Environmental impact 1 Introduction Legume-rhizobium symbiosis is a mutualistic relationship between leguminous plants and rhizobial bacteria, which plays a crucial role in nitrogen fixation. This symbiosis results in the formation of root nodules where rhizobia convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, a form that plants can utilize for growth (Oldroyd et al., 2011; Wang et al., 2018; Burghardt, 2019). The interaction is highly specific and involves a complex exchange of signals between the plant and the bacteria, leading to the development of specialized structures called symbiosomes within the nodules. This relationship not only enhances plant growth but also contributes significantly to soil fertility, making it a vital component of sustainable agriculture (Wang et al., 2020; Hawkins and Oresnik, 2022). The study of legume-rhizobium symbiosis dates back to the late 19th century when the beneficial effects of legumes on soil fertility were first observed. Over the years, extensive research has elucidated the genetic, molecular, and biochemical mechanisms underlying this symbiosis (Gourion et al., 2015; Chakraborty et al., 2022). Historically, legumes have been integral to crop rotation practices due to their ability to enrich soil nitrogen levels, thereby reducing the need for chemical fertilizers (Primieri et al., 2021). This symbiotic relationship is not only essential for the growth of legumes but also has broader implications for agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability (Hawkins and Oresnik, 2022). The ability of legumes to form symbiotic relationships with rhizobia has been harnessed to improve crop yields and maintain soil health, making it a cornerstone of modern agricultural practices (Burghardt, 2019; Yang et al., 2021). This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the current understanding of leguminous-rhizobia symbiosis, from soil microbiology to its agricultural impacts, covering the genetic and molecular mechanisms that control this symbiotic relationship, the role of environmental factors, and the impact of this relationship on plant immune
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