Symbiotic nitrogen fixation in black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) seedlings from four seed sources

Abstract

We conducted a greenhouse experiment to investigate the role of seed source in growth and symbiotic nitrogen fixation of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L). Seeds from different sources were planted in the same environmental conditions and inoculated with a suspension of mixed Rhizobium. We used the modified ¹⁵N isotope dilution method to estimate biological nitrogen fixation of Robinia trees. Different Robinia seed sources differed significantly in terms of tissue dry weight (50.6–80.1 g), total N (1.31–2.16 g) and proportion of nitrogen derived from the atmosphere (0–51%). A higher nitrogen fixation rate of Robinia trees was associated with higher dry weight. Moreover, the leaves of Robinia proved to adequately represent the nitrogen fixation capacity of entire plants. Our results confirmed that assessment of seed sources is a useful way to improve the nitrogen fixation capacity and therefore the growth rate of Robinia.

Keywords

Robinia pseudoacacia / seed source / ¹⁵N dilution method / symbiotic nitrogen fixation

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