Nodule growth and activity may be regulated by a feedback mechanism involving phloem nitrogen*

We present a mechanism of regulation of growth and activity of legume root nodules which is consistent with published experimental observations. The concentration of reduced nitrogen compounds, probably amino acids, flowing into the nodules from the phloem, is sensed by the nodules; growth and activity of the nodules is adjusted accordingly. In many legumes this response may involve changes in the oxygen diffusion resistance of the nodule cortex. A straightforward feedback mechanism in which nodule activity is lowered when reduced N in the phloem is high and increased when it is low is envisaged. Almost all import into nodules is via the phloem sap originating in the lower leaves. As a plant develops, these mature leaves no longer utilize nitrogen delivered in the xylem and so export it in the phloem. In plants with an adequate nitrogen supply (from nodules or combined nitrogen in soil), a high concentration of nitrogen containing compounds in the phloem from the lower leaves may inhibit nodule growth as well as activity. This suggestion is an alternative to the hypotheses of carbohydrate deprivation or nitrate inhibition which are commonly used to explain the effects of combined nitrogen on nodule growth and activity.