On the Physiology of the Formation of Nodules on Legume Roots

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Abstract
The theory is advanced that nodule formation is due to the production of an auxin by the bacteria within the tissue, possibly even indole-acetic acid from tryptophane in the cell proteins. The ability of the bacteria to produce iudole-acetic acid from tryptophane is supported by observations in the literature. By sectioning young growing nodules and placing on agar, and then testing the agar on standard Avena coleoptiles, the nodules are shown to produce considerable amounts of an auxin. Further, the application of auxin in paste form to very young lateral roots inhibits their elongation. Since auxin is known to produce lateral roots, the evidence indicates that the formation of a nodule by auxin is comparable to the formation of a lateral root, but instead of elongating, the structure swells isodiametrically.

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