Nif genes: Tools for sustainable agriculture

Abstract The rise in the global population and the growing demand for agricultural products have become a matter of grave concern for the present generation. To address this current challenge, it is vital to provide adequate amounts of nitrogen in a form that is easily accessible to the crop. The roles of the nitrogen-fixing (nif) genes in microorganisms are very important because commercially prepared nitrogen is not sufficient enough to meet the nitrogen demand. The present chapter provides an insight into the world of nif genes, their associated roles, and how they are regulated. The evolution of nif genes, structural and functional role of each nif gene, the gradual development in research of various genes, and its related clusters identified in different crops and microbes are discussed. The chapter also sheds light on the current research and developments on nif genes across the globe and areas where more research must be encouraged. The present chapter intends to provide researchers understanding of nif genes and their evolution and regulation mechanisms, which could be helpful in further studies.