The role of iron in the (brady)Rhizobiumlegume symbiosis

Iron deficiency generally decreases nodule formation, leghaemoglobin production and nitrogenase activity, leading to low nitrogen concentrations in the shoots in some legumes. More iron is required for plants reliant on N2 fixation than for plants supplied with mineral nitrogen. The sensitive stage of nodulation to iron deficiency appears to be nodule initiation. Under iron deficiency, further division of root cortical cells is limited and the proliferation of (brady)rhizobia in roots is inhibited.