Root nodules on tepary bean roots (IMAGE)

American Society of Agronomy

Root nodules on tepary bean roots

Caption

Tepary roots have been dug up to examine them for the presence of nodules. Nodules are the light-colored, spherical areas on the roots. They were formed by beneficial soil microbes that "set up shop" in the roots to get some sugars from the host-plant while they fix atmospheric nitrogen, which plants need to grow.

Credit

Tomilee Turner

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