Choice of hydrogen uptake (Hup) status in legume-rhizobia symbioses

The H(2) is an obligate by-product of N-fixation. Recycling of H(2) through uptake hydrogenase (Hup) inside the root nodules of leguminous plants is often considered an advantage for plants. However, many of the rhizobium-legume symbioses found in nature, especially those used in agriculture are shown to be Hup(−), with the plants releasing H(2) produced by nitrogenase activity from root nodules into the surrounding rhizosphere. Recent studies have suggested that, H(2) induces plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria, which may explain the widespread of Hup(−) symbioses in spite of the low energy efficiency of such associations. Wild legumes grown in Nova Scotia, Canada, were surveyed to determine if any plant-growth characteristics could give an indication of Hup choice in leguminous plants. Out of the plants sampled, two legumes, Securigera varia and Vicia cracca, showed Hup(+) associations. Securigera varia exhibited robust root structure as compared with the other plants surveyed. Data from the literature and the results from this study suggested that plants with established root systems are more likely to form the energy-efficient Hup(+) symbiotic relationships with rhizobia. Conversely, Hup(−) associations could be beneficial to leguminous plants due to H(2)-oxidizing plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria that allow plants to compete successfully, early in the growing season. However, some nodules from V. cracca tested Hup(+), while others were Hup(−). This was similar to that observed in Glycine max and Pisum sativum, giving reason to believe that Hup choice might be affected by various internal and environmental factors.