Although Cd uptake by plant roots might affect the formation of root nodules by inhibiting rhizobia reproduction and the synthesis or activity of RinRK1 and Flotillin 1 playing a crucial role in promoting symbiotic infection [36], the insignificant change in nifH diversity suggested that Cd in the roots might have little effect on the colonization of culturable rhizobia in the roots in this study. The gene discussed is FLOT1; the disease is infection.