Figure 2. Unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis (Dice algorithm) of G49, NGR234 and USDA257 MALDI-TOF MS mass spectra comprised in the size range of m/z 3000 to 15000.

Bacteria were isolated from free-living cultures (FL), or nodules of G. max (NG), M. atropurpureum (NM), or V. unguiculata (NV). The respective positions of the 60% identity level used as a threshold to assign strains are shown as dotted semi-circles. Agrobacterium tumefaciens (Atum) was selected as the outgroup.