Abstract
The development of the nativeFrankia population was studied in a pot experiment in two types of soil; one from aBetula pendula Roth stand, with a high nodulation capacity, and one with a low nodulation capacity from aPinus sylvestris L. stand. The soils were kept at 22°C and 80% WHC. The capacity of the soils to form root nodules onAlnus incana (L.) Moench seedlings was followed over time. An increase in nodulation capacity was observed in the birch soil at pH 6 (attained by liming). The increase was most pronounced when the soil was planted withBetula pendula seedlings. Nodulation capacity decreased in the birch soil at its original pH of 4.2, and in the pine soil (original pH 3.7), irrespective of whether it was limed or planted.
Frankia strains were isolated fromAlnus incana root nodules, induced by soil samples from twoBetula pendula stands devoid of actinorhizal plants but showing a high nodulation capacity. The effect of various aqueous soil extracts on the growth of the strains in propionate medium was studied. Extracts either inhibited or did not affect the growth of the strains. No adaptation to normal soil pH and temperature conditions was found.
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Smolander, A., Sarsa, M.L. Frankia strains of soil underBetula pendula: Behaviour in soil and in pure culture. Plant Soil 122, 129–136 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02851920
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02851920