Nitrogen Fixation by Actinomycete-Nodulated Angiosperms

Abstract

Symbiotic nitrogen fixation by actinomycete-nodulated woody dicotyledonous plants involves a large number of diverse plants (160 species in 15 genera of 7 families), which are geographically widespread, largely in north and south temperate areas, including ecological sites uniformly nitrogen-deficient but ranging from wet bogs to sand dunes, dry forests, and subalpine areas. The structure and interaction of host and endophyte and the ecological significance of the symbioses are the subject of current intense research.