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Journal of Bacteriology logoLink to Journal of Bacteriology
. 1982 Aug;151(2):560–568. doi: 10.1128/jb.151.2.560-568.1982

Plasmids and stability of symbiotic properties of Rhizobium trifolii.

M A Djordjevic, W Zurkowski, B G Rolfe
PMCID: PMC220296  PMID: 7096265

Abstract

A conjugal plasmid which encodes both peak nodulation genes and nitrogenase genes, and which is labeled with the transposon Tn5, was transferred to a wild-type Rhizobium trifolii strain to examine the stability and expression of the host range and fixation (Fix+) phenotypes. Transconjugates were isolated which were shown to initially form nitrogen-fixing nodules (Nod+ Fix+) on both clovers and peas. These hybrid strains were then repeatedly passaged through either pea or clover nodules or onto a solid agar medium to determine whether these broadened-host-range characteristics were stably maintained. An instability was noted in the capacity of some of these hybrids to form nitrogen-fixing nodules on all of the host plants used. The broadened nodulation ability was, however, more readily maintained. In some cases, the changes in the Nod+ Fix+ phenotype could be attributed to demonstrable changes in the plasmid profile of the hybrid strains, whereas in other cases no demonstrable plasmid alterations could be detected.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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