Genetic Diversity of Symbiotic Bacteria Nodulating Common Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris) in Western Kenya
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Date
2018
Authors
Kawaka, Fanuel
Makonde, Huxley
Dida, Mathews
Opala, Peter
Ombori, Omwoyo
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
PLOS
Abstract
Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in legumes plays a critical role in improving soil fertility.
Despite this vital role, there is limited information on the genetic diversity and BNF of bacteria
nodulating common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). This study evaluated the genetic
diversity and symbiotic nitrogen fixation of bacteria nodulating common bean in soils of
Western Kenya. The genetic diversity was determined using 16S rRNA gene partial
sequences while BNF was estimated in a greenhouse experiment. The sequences of the
native isolates were closely affiliated with members from the genera Pantoea, Klebsiella,
Rhizobium, Enterobacter and Bacillus. These results show that apart from rhizobia, there
are non-rhizobial strains in the nodules of common bean. The symbiotic efficiency (SE) of
native isolates varied and exhibited comparable or superior BNF compared to the local
commercial inoculants (CIAT 899 and Strain 446). Isolates (MMUST 003 [KP027691],
MMUST 004 [KP027687], MMUST 005 [KP027688], KSM 001 [KP027682], KSM 002
[KP027680], KSM 003 [KP027683] and KSM 005 [KP027685]) recorded equal or significantly
higher SE (p < 0.05) compared to N supplemented treatments. The results demonstrate
the presence of genetic diversity of native bacteria nodulating bean that are
effective in N fixation. These elite bacterial strains should be exploited as candidates for
the development of Phaseolus vulgaris inoculants.
Description
An Article Published in PLOS ONE