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Phenotypic and genotypic diversity of Genista saharae microsymbionts from the infra‐arid region of Tunisia *
Author(s) -
Mahdhi M.,
Nzoué A.,
Gueye F.,
Merabet C.,
De Lajudie P.,
Mars M.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
letters in applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.698
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1472-765X
pISSN - 0266-8254
DOI - 10.1111/j.1472-765x.2007.02233.x
Subject(s) - rhizobia , biology , root nodule , sinorhizobium , rhizobium , botany , legume , 16s ribosomal rna , nitrogen fixation , shrub , symbiosis , arid , bacteria , ecology , genetics
Aims: Genista saharae , indigenous of Sahara, is a spontaneous shrub that plays an important ecological role for the preservation and fertility of poor and eroded soils. This legume has not been examined for its root nodule bacteria. The taxonomic diversity of bacteria from root nodules of G. saharae growing in the infra‐arid region of Tunisia was investigated. Methods and Results: A total of 28 bacterial strains isolated from root nodules of G. saharae grown in Tunisian soil were characterized using a polyphasic approach including phenotypic characteristics, PCR‐RFLP of 16S rDNA and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. It was found that new isolates are diverse and affiliated to Ensifer (75%), Rhizobium (10%) and Phyllobacterium (15%). The Phyllobacterium isolates lacked the capacity for nodule formation on this plant. Conclusions: Genista saharae formed nodules with diverse rhizobia in Tunisian soils. Furthermore, our results support the presence of non‐nodulating commensal strains (Phyllobacterium ) in legumes nodule. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study is the first report on the characterization of G. saharae microsymbionts in Tunisia.