Strain-specific antigens in Rhizobium leguminosarum
Abstract:
Fifty strains of Rhizobium leguminosarum, isolated from five species of host plant (Pisum sativum, P. arvense, Vicia sativa, V. faba, and a Lathyrus sp.) were examined for the presence of strain-specific somatic antigens by immune-diffusions against 13 antisera. Thirty eight strains (76 per cent) were found to belong to the same sero-group and were serologically indistinguishable from each other, but four of these strains also exhibited non-reciprocal cross reactivity with other antisera. In contrast to this, five Australian strains, isolated from P. sativum, showed a high degree of strain specificity.
Related Concept Videos
The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition
Plants have the impressive ability to create their own food through photosynthesis. However, plants often require assistance from organisms in the soil to acquire the nutrients they need to function correctly. Both bacteria and fungi have evolved symbiotic relationships with plants that help the species to thrive in a wide variety of environments.
Microbe-Plant Interactions
Microbe-plant interactions represent a dynamic spectrum of associations shaped by intricate chemical signaling. These interactions can be neutral, beneficial, or detrimental, and profoundly influence plant physiology, growth, and ecosystem function. The plant microbiome, comprising bacteria, fungi, archaea, protists, and viruses, plays a pivotal role in mediating these effects through surface colonization, internal colonization, or systemic symbiosis.Mutualistic associations, particularly with...


