Nitrate‐induced ethylene biosynthesis and the control of nodulation in alfalfa

We previously reported that inhibition of ethylene biosynthesis with aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) eliminated the inhibitory effect of NO3 ‐ on nodulation of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. cv. Aragon) plants grown aeroponically. In this work, the effect of Ag + , as an inhibitor of ethylene action, has been studied in plants growing aeroponically or in darkened tubes with vermiculite, and low-nitrate or high-nitrate solution. Vermiculite-grown plants developed up to 3 times as many nodules as did those growing aeroponically. Nodule formation was mirrored by dry-matter accumulation. High (10 mol m ‐3 ) NO3 ‐ applied from planting inhibited nodulation to an equal extent (c. 50%) in the two growth conditions. In contrast, Ag + treatment increased nodule formation at all NO3 ‐ concentrations assayed under the two growth conditions, with the stimulation being higher in plants grown aeroponically. Finally, no effect of Ag + (10 mmol m ‐3 ) on plant growth was observed in either of the growth conditions. The effectiveness of NO3 ‐ as a nodulation inhibitor and enhancer of ethylene biosynthesis in roots of alfalfa was also studied. Within 24 h after inoculation, 10 mol m ‐3 NO3 ‐ exerted most of its inhibitory effect on nodulation. At the same time, both 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) oxidase activity and ethylene evolution rates markedly increased in inoculated and uninoculated alfalfa roots treated with NO3 ‐ . Support for a role of endogenous ethylene in the control of nodule formation in legumes is discussed.

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