Field nodules of Alnus incana ssp. rugosa and Myrica gale exhibit pronounced acetylene-induced declines in nitrogenase activity

Abstract

The time course of acetylene reduction was examined in field nodules of speckled alder (Alnus incana ssp. rugosa (Du Roi) Claus.) and sweet gale (Myrica gale L.) with an open flow-through system. When detached speckled alder nodules were measured in the laboratory, there was an initial peak rate of nitrogenase activity between 2 and 3 min followed by pronounced declines to 50% of the peak rate (early summer) and 66% (late summer) at 9 min, after which there was little further change. Speckled alder nodules measured in the field while still attached to the plant also had a peak rate between 2 and 3 min. Most sweet gale nodules had a peak rate at 2–3 min and a sharp decline to 27% at 21 min followed by a partial recovery to 49% at 60 min. The time courses of field nodules of speckled alder and sweet gale were comparable with those of intact, growth chamber grown seedlings. The initial peak rate is the most accurate measure of nitrogenase activity and the only reliable way to measure this is with an open, flow-through system. We describe a simple, inexpensive, flow-through system for use in the field. Key words: acetylene-induced decline, Alnus incana ssp. rugosa, actinorhizal plants, Myrica gale, nitrogen fixation, nitrogenase activity.