Identification of differentially expressed genes by cDNA-AFLP technique during heat stress in cowpea nodules.

Legume nodules formed by diazotrophic microorganisms are active sites for biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). In tropical regions, a significant part of N supply for soybean, peanut and bean crops is derived from BNF, which is nevertheless often limited by high temperature stress. In contrast, cowpea nodules are very resistant to high temperatures.