Question

Discuss the biological significance of Azolla pinnata in agriculture.

Answer 1

Azolla pinnata is a small, fast-growing fern that occurs floating on water. Anabaena azollae, a cyanobacterium lives in cavities of Azolla leaves. It fixes nitrogen from air and excretes the nitrogenous compounds into the leaf cavity of the fern. Thus Azolla pinnata serves as an excellent biofertilizer when grown in association with rice.