Nitrogen fixation (acetylene reduction) in the phyllosphere of some economically important plants

Nitrogen fixation on leaf surfaces of sugarcane, sorghum, ragi, bamboo and mulberry plants was determined by using acetylene reduction assay. The data revealed varying levels of positive nitrogenase activity on the surfaces. Beijerinckia was observed to be the predominant diazotroph on the leaves. No correlation between fixation rates and C₃ or C₄ plant species was discerned. The possibility of improving phyllosphere nitrogen fixation has been discussed in light of the above observations.