Main description:

Concern over the depletion of world energy resources and the increase in the cost of nitrogen fertilizer has prompted considerable interest and research in biological nitrogen fixation. This volume discusses the most recent advances in the field, with chapters written by experts on the ecology, physiology, biochemistry and genetics of biological nitrogen fixation. Grain legumes, rice, sugar cane, sorghum and millet are all covered in the book. Some of the chapters particularly focus on the genetics and molecular biology of nitrogen fixing bacteria, and summarize the biotechnological strategies that are being applied in the hope of rendering plants self-sufficient with regard to nitrogen fertilization.

Contents:

1. Tropical Stress Ecology of Rhizobia, Root Nodulation and Legume Fixation A. R. J. Eaglesham and A. Ayanaba; 2. Interaction of Nitrogen-Fixing Microorganisms with Other Soil Microorganisms N. S. Subba Rao; 3. Attachment of Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria to Roots of Host Plants F. B. Dazzo and G. L. Truchet; 4. Stem Nodules N. S. Subba Rao and M. Yatazawa; 5. Oxygen Control Mechanisms in Nitrogen-Fixing Systems B. D. Shaw; 6. Plasmids Governing Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation A. Kondorosi, G. B. Kiss and I. Dusha; 7. Frankia and its Symbiosis in Non-legume (Actinorhizal) Root Nodules C. T. Wheeler; 8. Nitrogen Fixation by Lichens J. W. Millbank; 9. Biological Nitrogen Fixation in Sugar Cane A. P. Ruschel and P. B. Dose; 10. Nitrogen Fixation in Wetland Rice Field I. Watanabe and P. A. Roger; 11. Nitrogen Fixation Associated with Grasses and Cereals R. M. Boddey and J. Dijbereiner; 12. Azotobacter and Azospirillum Genetics and Molecular Biology C. Elmerich.