Abstract
Means were sought to enhance the heat resistance of a strain of Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar phaseoli that died rapidly in soil at 43°C. Bacteria were more resistant to high temperatures in soil than broth or phosphate buffer. Starving the cells in phosphate buffer enhanced their heat resistance. Heat-resistant variants were obtained that grew at 45°C. Resistance of the parent culture to inactivation at 43°C was enhanced by immobilizing the cells in Ca alginate, amending the soil with clay or immobilization of the cells in clays. The bacteria survived better at 40°C in soil receiving montmorillonite-immobilized cells than in montmorillonite-amended soil. These results suggest that the tolerance of rhizobia to high temperatures in soils may be enhanced.
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AbdelGadir, A., Alexander, M. Procedures to enhance heat resistance of Rhizobium. Plant and Soil 188, 93–100 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1004200329070
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1004200329070