Immediate acetylene reduction by excised grass roots not previously preincubated at low oxygen tensions

Excised roots of Spartina alterniflora Loisel. and corn reduced acetylene in air without the previously reported period of zero activity lasting 8 to 18 hours. The profiles of acetylene-dependent ethylene accumulation by excised roots and intact plants of S. alterniflora were similar. No significant change in the number of bacteria associated with the roots was detectable during the assay. Most of the nitrogenase activity was detected in the roots and rhizomes of the plants. The salt marsh sediment also was capable of reducing acetylene. Additional damage to roots by washing and cutting increased the rate of acetylene reduction with samples incubated in air. Low concentrations of nitrate significantly inhibited the nitrogenase activity associated with the sediment and excised roots, but not with intact plants. Rates of acetylene reduction by excised corn roots were low. Oxidation and endogenous production of ethylene in the absence of acetylene were negligible. Measurements made with excised grass roots as described probably reflect the occurrence and magnitude of nitrogenase activity associated with the plants in the field.