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Utilization of simple phenolics for dinitrogen fixation by soil diazotrophic bacteria

  • Microbial Ecology of Diazotrophic Bacteria
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Summary

A microaerobic diazotrophic bacterium tentatively identified as aPseudomonas species was isolated from a forest soil. Its nitrogenase (C2H2 reduction) activity in liquid medium was significantly supported by phenolic compounds when compared with glucose-, mannitol- or malate-supported activity. The utilization of phenolics was dependent on substrate induction and the appropriate oxygen concentration. At a pO2 of 0.05 protocatechuate was a better carbon source for N2 fixation than glucose. In the case ofLignobacter protocatechuate was a better carbon source for N2 fixation than glucose at pO2 0.2 but not at pO2 0.05. It is suggested that certain monomeric phenols can support nitrogenase activities in many carbon-limited soil environments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemistry and Biology Research Institute, Research Branch, Agriculture Canada, K1A 0C6, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

    Yiu-Kwok Chan

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  1. Yiu-Kwok Chan
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Contribution No. 1484 from the Chemistry and Biology Research Institute, Agriculture Canada, Ottawa, Canada.

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Chan, YK. Utilization of simple phenolics for dinitrogen fixation by soil diazotrophic bacteria. Plant Soil 90, 141–150 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02277393

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02277393

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