Abstract
Spore suspensions of Frankia strain HFPCgI4 originally isolated from root nodules of Casuarina glauca were studied with respect to their capacity to germinate in vitro in chemically defined media and added root exudates. Spore germination in general was low and prolonged but could be increased by chemical additions to the basal medium and increased further (doubled percentages) by adding suitable dilutions of root exudates from C. glauca seedlings. Spores inoculated directly on seedling roots at 108 spores/mL caused seedling root hair deformation in C. glauca and some root nodulation (35%). Spore inoculation under axenic conditions elicited limited root hair deformation and no nodulation. Evidence is provided showing that Frankia spores of isolate HFPCgI4 serve as effective agents in root hair infection when applied in nonsterile water culture conditions. Seedling root exudates may facilitate the infection process by stimulating Frankia spore germination. Key words: Frankia, nodulation, root hair infection, root exudate, spores.
Published Version
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