root nodule
A swelling on a root that houses microorganisms, such as the nitrogen-fixing bacteria associated with legumes.
Nitrogen-fixing root nodules of soybean (Glycine max) associated with Bradyrhizobium
All languages
- English
- root nodule
- Norwegian
- rotknoll
- Japanese
- 根粒 — こんりゅう — konryuu
- Korean
- 뿌리혹 — ppurihok
- Spanish
- nódulo radicular
- French
- nodule racinaire
- German
- Wurzelknöllchen
Illustrations are AI-generated and translations are undergoing language review.
Reference sources
- USDA Agricultural Research Service — root nodules are tiny round organs containing nitrogen-fixing bacteria and can have a pinkish color
- Penn State Extension — soybean nodules occur on tap and lateral roots; active nodules are pink or red when cut open
- UF/IFAS Extension — nitrogen-fixing legume nodules are often round, detachable from the root, and pink or red inside when active