Infection thread formation as a basis of nodulation specificity in Rhizobium – strawberry clover associations

Abstract

The basis for determination of nodulating specificity in Rhizobium–clover associations was investigated. Thirteen strains of rhizobia from eight different cross-inoculation groups were used to inoculate aseptically grown strawberry clover seedlings in slide culture. Microscopic observation revealed that each strain produced characteristic root hair deformation but infection threads and nodules were observed only in the homologous combination. It is concluded that, in rhizobia–clover combinations which nodulate via infection threads, specificity is determined at or before infection thread initiation. Observations of other workers that rhizobia produce a strain-specific substance affecting growth and morphology of legume root hairs were confirmed by results of this study.