TABLE 3.
Nodulation competition assays of bacteriocin-negative mutants with VF39SM, Rlv1031, and 3841 as indicator strains
| Competition | Inoculation ratio | Total no. of nodules scoreda | No. of nodules containing indicator straina |
|---|---|---|---|
| VF39SM/248 | 1.0 ± 0.1 | 216 | 10 |
| VF39SM/Rl1003 | 1.2 ± 0.2 | 223 | 35b |
| Rlv1031/248 | 0.5 ± 0.02 | 155 | 18 |
| Rlv1031/Rl1003 | 0.5 ± 0.04 | 142 | 52b |
| 3841/248 | 0.5 ± 0.02 | 144 | 76 |
| 3841/Rl1003 | 0.5 ± 0.03 | 148 | 76 |
| 248/Rl1003c | 1.0 | 98 | 49 |
Pooled data from three independent competition experiments. The data from all independent experiments showed identical trends.
Statistically significant result, showing reduction of competitiveness of Rl1003. Using analysis of variance (Systat package) on the independent replicates, the difference in recovery ratio for Rl1003 as opposed to 248 when assayed against VF39SM was significant at a P level of 0.05 (P value, 0.026). The results of the tests versus Rlv1031 were significant at a P level of 0.001 (P value, 0.2935 × 10−4). Fisher’s least significant difference was used as a means comparison test. As outlined in Materials and Methods, chi-square tests gave the same results.
Average of two independent competition experiments.