All plants require nitrogen to thrive, yet its availability in soil is often limited. Legume plants have evolved endosymbiotic associations with nitrogen-fixing rhizobia bacteria, enabling them to directly access atmospheric nitrogen. This symbiosis takes place within highly specialized root structures called nodules. Only cells in the central part of the nodule have the ability to intracellularly accommodate rhizobia, hosting thousands of bacteria, feeding them, and creating optimal conditions for nitrogen fixation. However, these nodules are not exclusively inhabited by beneficial rhizobia—commensal and even parasitic bacteria can also colonize them, potentially influencing their function.

Beyond their biological significance, these symbiotic interactions have major agricultural implications. Legumes play a crucial role in reducing reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, thereby mitigating environmental impact and promoting sustainable farming. Our team investigates the genetic innovations that enable legumes to host bacteria intracellularly, shedding light on the diversity of interactions within nodules. By exploring natural variation across species—from model organisms such as Lotus japonicus to key crops like pea and lupin, we aim to uncover strategies to optimize nitrogen fixation, ultimately enhancing crop productivity and soil health.

• ORCID

• Root nodule symbiosis
• Nitrogen fixation
• Root barriers
• Legumes
• Root microbiota

• Microscopy
• Plant-microbiota interactions
• Legumes