Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/B505038/1
In search of beta-rhizobia: exploring the symbionts of Mimosa in Brazil.
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Dr EK James, University of Dundee, College of Life Sciences
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor J Sprent, Private Address, Private Address
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor P Young, University of York, Biology
- Co-Investigator:
- Dr A.R. Prescott, University of Dundee, School of Life Sciences
- Co-Investigator:
- Dr S Swift, University of Dundee, School of Life Sciences
- Grant held at:
- University of Dundee, College of Life Sciences
- Science Area:
- Terrestrial
- Overall Classification:
- Terrestrial
- ENRIs:
- Natural Resource Management
- Biodiversity
- Science Topics:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Biogeochemical Cycles
- Population Genetics/Evolution
- Systematics & Taxonomy
- Abstract:
- Many legumes form a symbiosis with soil bacteria, which are housed in special organs called nodules that grow from the roots. Within these nodules, the bacteria take ('fix') nitrogen (N) from the atmosphere and convert it to soluble compounds that the plant can then use for growth. Nodulated legumes are important for the environment, as they are considered to be the main contributors of N to natural (ie. non man-made) ecosystems. For over 100 years it was assumed that legumes only formed N-fixing symbioses with bacteria in the genus Rhizobium or its close relatives in the Alpha-proteobacteria subgroup (now called 'Alpha-rhizobia'). However, in recent years, this dogma has been challenged by the discovery in nodules on tropical legumes, particularly those on Mimosa spp., of bacteria that are very distantly related to Rhizobium. So far, these bacteria have been identified as being in the genera Burkholderia and Ralstonia (both in the Beta-proteobacteria). In this proposal we intend first to investigate whether these 'Beta-rhizobia' really are abundant in nodules of Mimosa spp. compared to conventional Alpha-rhizobia, and then we shall determine using microscopy techniques if they are truly capable of forming symbioses with Mimosa spp. It will also be important to assess the effectiveness of these symbioses, and then finally make estimates as to the contribution that Mimosa-Beta-rhizobia symbioses make to the soils in their environments in the form of fixed N. We are concentrating our search for nodulated Mimosa spp. and associated Beta-rhizobia in Brazil, as the genus Mimosa is mostly concentrated in South and Central America. There is an enormous diversity of Mimosa spp. in the savannah-like, semi-arid Cerrado region of central Brazil, including species that are already known to contain Beta-rhizobial (Burkholderia) strains. By working with Brazilian scientists, including those based in the Cerrado, it is hoped that our research into Mimosa spp. and their novel symbionts will contribute towards current programmes aimed at conserving the environment and biodiversity of this unique and fragile ecosystem.
- Period of Award:
- 4 Sep 2004 - 3 Mar 2008
- Value:
- £187,078 Lead Split Award
Authorised funds only
- NERC Reference:
- NE/B505038/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Standard Grants Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Standard Grant
This grant award has a total value of £187,078
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Staff | Total - T&S | Total - Other Costs | Total - Indirect Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| £93,311 | £18,050 | £32,795 | £42,923 |
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