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Toxicity of legume seeds to rhizobia: Selective marker for strain identification and selection of toxin‐free seeds
Author(s) -
Jha Prakash K.,
Nair Suresh,
Babu C. R.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
journal of basic microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.58
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1521-4028
pISSN - 0233-111X
DOI - 10.1002/jobm.3620330604
Subject(s) - rhizobia , biology , legume , botany , rhizobium , toxin , sinorhizobium , nitrogen fixation , bacteria , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics
Seeds of legume species Argyrolobium flaccidum, Desmodium elegans, D. tortuosum, Indigofera gangetica, Lespedeza stenocarpa and Sesbania sesban have been evaluated for the toxicity to rhizobia for the first time. Legume species differ in quantity and quality of released seed toxins to which the symbiotic bacteria respond differentially. Therefore, seed toxicity may be used as a selectable taxonomic marker for the strainal identification of rhizobia. Seed toxins are located in seed coat and are thermolabile to some extent. The seed genotypes, within the species, differ in toxicity and such polymorphism can be used in the selection of toxin‐free seeds. Seed surface‐disinfection procedures involving subsequent soaking and washing with water are the most useful methods for reducing the seed toxins. The seed toxins from I. gangetica inhibited the growth of its homologous strain but did not affect nodulation and symbiotic parameters. Various seed‐toxin‐producing legume species did not affect nodulation and symbiotic efficiency and effectiveness.