Abstract
In this study, the effect of various concentrations of stress inductors such as KCl, sucrose, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) on the growth and survival of Astragalus cicer microsymbionts in the presence and absence of an osmoprotectant, glycine betaine (GB), was determined. It was found that the higher concentrations of the stress factors lengthened the generation time and, additionally, in the case of sucrose and PEG, caused entry of the cells into the viable but nonculturable state (VBNC). The presence of the osmoprotectant, glycine betaine (GB), significantly decreased the effects of stress induced by KCl, sucrose, and PEG, as indicated by reduction of the generation time of A. cicer isolates, an increase in the proportion of living to dead cells in comparison to bacteria under stress conditions but in the absence of GB. We also investigated the ability of A. cicer symbionts to form biofilm in the different stress conditions. It was demonstrated that PEG enhanced biofilm formation, whereas KCl and sucrose at higher concentrations negatively affected this process.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
