Abstract
Two Tn5-mutants, T37 and T107, with decreased nodulation competitiveness (Cmp−) were isolated in Rhizobium meliloti strain CXM1-105. Their Cmp− phenotype was repeatedly displayed in sterile plant tests, where competitiveness was measured against a Fix− reference strain CXM1-48 and the parental strain CXM1-105. In addition mutant T37 showed a decreased nodulation rate (Nra−) at the early stages of alfalfa development (9–18 days after germination). Its mutant phenotype was demonstrated also under greenhouse conditions when it was evaluated against reference strain CXM1-48, and against indigenous rhizobial strains persisting in the soil.
Tn5 insertions from mutants T37 and T107 were transduced using phage ϕM12 to the parental strain CXM1-105. All tested transductants showed Cmp− and Nra− phenotype in the case of T37 and Cmp− phenotype in the case of T107. By means of conjugations with avirulent R. meliloti mutant ZB121 and plasmidless Agrobacterium tumefaciens UBAPF2 we located both Tn5-insertions on the R. meliloti Sym-plasmid.
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Onishchuk, O.P., Sharypova, L.A. & Simarov, B.V. Isolation and characterization of the Rhizobium meliloti Tn5-mutants with impaired nodulation competitiveness. Plant Soil 167, 267–274 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00007953
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00007953