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Nitrogen fixation and biomass production in symbioses between Alnus incana and Frankia strains with different hydrogen metabolism
Author(s) -
Sellstedt Anita,
HussDanell Kerstin,
Ahlqvist AnnSofi
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
physiologia plantarum
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.351
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1399-3054
pISSN - 0031-9317
DOI - 10.1111/j.1399-3054.1986.tb01240.x
Subject(s) - frankia , nitrogenase , actinorhizal plant , hydrogenase , symbiosis , biology , nitrogen fixation , botany , root nodule , strain (injury) , bacteria , biochemistry , enzyme , genetics , anatomy
Three different strains of Frankia , the pure cultures AvcI1 and CpI1 and a local strain (crushed nodule inoculum), were compared in symbiosis with one clone of Alnus incana (L.) Moench. Hydrogen metabolism, nitrogenase (EC 1.7.99.2) activity and relative efficiency of nitrogenase were studied as well as growth and nitrogen content of the plants. The local Frankia strain showed no measurable hydrogen uptake but high H 2 ‐evolution. No H 2 ‐evolution was detected in Frankia AvcI1 because of its hydrogenase activity. CpI1 also had hydrogenase, although only a very small H 2 ‐evolution was detected at the end of the growth period. Hydrogenase activity was detected both in pure cultures and nodule homogenates of CpI1 and AvcI1. Growth, biomass production and nitrogen content were highest in alders inoculated with Frankia AvcI1 while the lowest values were found for alders living in symbiosis with the local Frankia strain. The presence of hydrogenase in Frankia seemed to be benefical for growth and biomass production in the alders. However, the strains also differed with respect to spore formation. The local strain, but not AvcI1 and CpI1, formed spores in the root nodules.