Nodulation and nitrogen fixation (Acetylene reduction) in desert ironwood (Olneya tesota)

Abstract

Acacia greggi, Cercidium floridium, and Olneya tesota seeds were inoculated with soil from beneath mature native desert trees and grown in the greenhouse on a nitrogen free media. Olneya tesota seedlings nodulated and reduced acetylene to ethylene. Nodulation or acetylene reduction was not observed in A. greggi or C. floridium. This is the first report of nodulation and nitrogen fixation in Olneya tesota.