| Phenotype Detail | No obvious phenotypic effect could be observed on root morphology or root growth when comparing overexpressing and empty vector control constructs. When transgenic roots were inoculated with S. meliloti, a clear reduction in the number of nodules formed was observed, with an average of 3-fold reduction for MtRALFL1 overexpressing roots, compared with empty vector controls. In MtRALFL1 overexpressing roots, the few nodules formed had abnormal structures. These nodules remained very small, with poor rhizobial colonization (Fig. 4D), and never developed into mature nitrogen-fixing nodules. A fix? phenotype for these
MtRALFL1 overexpressing composite plants was revealed by
their stunted development when grown in the absence of mineral nitrogen. A strong increase in the number of abortive infections was observed (10-fold). In addition, the infection threads that generally aborted in the outer root cortex led to bulbous and sac-like arrested infection pockets. |
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