<i>Azolla-Anabaena </i>Symbiosis-From Traditional Agriculture to Biotechnology

Abstract

The <i>Azolla - Anabaena </i>symbiosis has attracted attention as a biofertilizer worldwide, especially in South East Asia. But its utilization and genetic improvement has been limited mainly due to problems associated with the isolation and characterization of cyanobionts and the relative sensitivity of the fern to extremes of temperature and

light intensity. This paper reviews the historical background of <i>Azolla, </i>its metabolic capabilities and present day utilization in agriculture. An outline of biotechnological interventions, carried out in India and abroad, is also discussed for a better understanding of the symbiotic interactions, which can go a long way in further exploitation of this association in agriculture and environmental management.