Rhizobium
Quick Summary
Rhizobium are a genus of bacteria that play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle. These microorganisms are known for their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, converting it into a form usable by plants.1
Specifically, Rhizobium bacteria form a symbiotic relationship with leguminous plants, such as beans, peas, and clover. They invade the plant's root hairs, stimulating the formation of root nodules. Inside these nodules, the bacteria convert nitrogen gas into ammonia, which the plant then uses for growth. This process is vital for plant development, especially in soils that may be deficient in nitrogen. Commercial cultures of Rhizobium are often used to inoculate legume seeds to ensure optimal growth.1
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
FabalesMimoseaeā¦nodules containing the nitrogen-fixing bacterium Rhizobium on their roots.
Read Moreā¦nodules containing the nitrogen-fixing bacterium Rhizobium on their roots.
Read More
FabalesFaboideaeThe symbiotic relationship between Rhizobium and the plant, which takes place in root nodules and āfixesā atmospheric nitrogen into compounds useful to the plant, is most strongly developed in Papilionoideae legumes.
Read MoreThe symbiotic relationship between Rhizobium and the plant, which takes place in root nodules and āfixesā atmospheric nitrogen into compounds useful to the plant, is most strongly developed in Papilionoideae legumes.
Read More
