Nitrate influences the metabolism of nitrogenous compounds in calopo (Calopogonium mucunoides) throughout the life cycle

Abstract

In Calopogonium mucunoides, nitrogen metabolism was significantly altered between the various plant development stages. Throughout the life cycle, even in the presence of nitrate, the plant kept itself nodulated and high ureide concentrations were identified in xylem tissues and sap, evidencing that the species is tolerant to nitrate and that this does not affect nitrogen fixation over development. Nitrate biochemical reduction presents alterations throughout the life cycle, with change in the reduction site along with changes in total soluble amino acid concentrations. However, constitutive reductase nitrate activity in nodules disappears with the exposition to nitrate.

Keywords

• Legume
• Ureides
• Nodulation