Jaiswal Sanjay K, Dakora Felix D
Department of Chemistry, Tshwane University of Technology, Arcadia Campus, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
Microorganisms. 2025 Mar 4;13(3):581. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms13030581.
The interplay between soil rhizobial bacteria and leguminous plants, particularly in Africa, has a profound impact on photosynthetic efficiency and overall crop productivity. This review explores the critical role of rhizobia in enhancing photosynthesis through nitrogen fixation, a process crucial for sustainable agriculture. Rhizobial bacteria residing in root nodules provide legumes with symbiotic nitrogen that significantly boosts plant growth and photosynthetic capacity. Recent advances in molecular genomics have elucidated the genetic frameworks underlying this symbiosis, identifying key genes involved in root nodule formation and nitrogen fixation. Comparative genomics of species have revealed seven distinct lineages, with diverse traits linked to nodulation, nitrogen fixation, and photosynthesis. Field studies across Africa demonstrate that rhizobial inoculation can markedly increase nodulation, nitrogen fixation, and grain yields, though outcomes vary depending on local soil conditions and legume species. Notable findings include enhanced nutrient uptake and photosynthetic rates in inoculated legumes compared with nitrate-fed plants. This review highlights the potential of utilizing indigenous rhizobia to improve photosynthesis and crop resilience. Future prospects involve leveraging genomic insights to optimize rhizobial inoculants and enhance legume productivity in water-limited environments. As climate change intensifies, integrating these advancements into agricultural practices could play a crucial role in improving food security and sustainable soil health in Africa.
土壤根瘤菌与豆科植物之间的相互作用，尤其是在非洲，对光合效率和作物整体生产力有着深远影响。本综述探讨了根瘤菌通过固氮作用增强光合作用的关键作用，这一过程对可持续农业至关重要。存在于根瘤中的根瘤菌为豆科植物提供共生氮，显著促进植物生长和光合能力。分子基因组学的最新进展阐明了这种共生关系的遗传框架，确定了参与根瘤形成和固氮的关键基因。对不同物种的比较基因组学研究揭示了七个不同的谱系，具有与结瘤、固氮和光合作用相关的多种特征。非洲各地的田间研究表明，接种根瘤菌可显著增加结瘤、固氮和谷物产量，不过结果因当地土壤条件和豆科植物种类而异。显著发现包括，与施用硝酸盐的植物相比，接种根瘤菌的豆科植物养分吸收和光合速率有所提高。本综述强调了利用本地根瘤菌提高光合作用和作物抗逆性的潜力。未来的前景包括利用基因组学见解优化根瘤菌接种剂，并提高水分有限环境中豆科植物的生产力。随着气候变化加剧，将这些进展纳入农业实践对于改善非洲的粮食安全和可持续土壤健康可能发挥关键作用。
